Press Release
August 12, 1998
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Joe Picchi
518/486-1868
MASTER PLAN FOR SOUTHWICK BEACH STATE PARK
(Alexandria Bay, New York August 12, 1998 ...) New York State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro has announced the release of the master plan for Southwick Beach State Park, a 475 acre site on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in Jefferson County.
"This plan has been under consideration for several years and is the product of much public input," said Commissioner Castro. "The study will establish guidelines for the development of the park's recreational facilities and protection of its natural and cultural resources."
The park plan is intended to guide the future development of recreational activities in Jefferson County while ensuring the unique Eastern Ontario Coastal barrier Dune System remains protective.
Improvements to the park infrastructure, construction of a full hook-up camping loop and realigning the entry road to the park are among the elements in the extensive plan, which has been under consideration since 1992.
The plan calls for maintaining popular beachfront campsites, many of which have been owned by families in Jefferson County and surrounding areas for generations. Concerns for the unique barrier dunes have also been addressed. Walk-overs have been constructed to protect the dunes.
Copies of the executive summary of the plan can be obtained by contacting the Thousand Islands Regional Office, P.O. Box 247, Keewaydin State Park, Alexandria Bay, New York 13607.