Press Release
May 25, 2007
For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
Catherine Jimenez
518.486.1868
Midway State Park Hosts Grand Opening Celebration
(May 25, 2007, Bemus Point, NY...) Officials from the New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation gathered with State Council of Parks Chairwoman Lucy Waletzky and local elected officials to announce the grand opening of Midway Park as the newest state park in the Allegany Region.
"Today Midway begins a new chapter in its history. This park has been a local treasure for more than 100 years and we are excited to be a part of its future," said State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash. "In addition to providing a fun, family experience, this property furthers our mission to preserve New York's historic resources."
Located in Chautauqua County in Western New York, Midway is one of the longest continually operating amusement parks in the nation. The park initially opened as a trolley park in 1898, offering guests trolley rides, playing fields, tennis courts, bath houses and a dance hall. The park now includes a museum, gift shop, a historic Allan Herschell carousel, concession stands, arcade games and amusement rides, as well.
"State Parks offer such diverse recreational opportunities to residents and visitors here in New York," said Lucy Waletzky, Chair of the State Council of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "The addition of Midway Park to the list of impressive properties that OPRHP manages is valuable, adding new dimension to this dynamic system of parks and historic sites. I commend Commissioner Ash for her efforts to enhance public parkland across New York State."
The park also offers several picnic shelters, which are reserveable for family gatherings and picnics. Accessible by the waters of Chautauqua Lake, Midway also is a great place for fishing and free docking is offered for day visitors.
Midway is one of four state parks in the Allegany Region. Allegany State Park is located in nearby Cattaraugus County and is the largest state park is the system, with more than 65,000 acres. Also in the Allegany Region are Lake Erie State Park and Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers 178 state parks, 35 state historic sites and 19 heritage areas. For additional information about state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com.
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