A few weeks ago I read that our lame duck governor announced he was closing Knox Farm State Park as of December 31, 2010, which also coincides with his last day in office. This administration has done nothing to solve problems over the past few years. I believe this governor has created more problems in the way he has handled issues, especially with the way he has dealt with New York State Parks.
The land and buildings at Knox Farm was donated to the state to become a state park, as has many of our great state parks. Will future donors be wary of giving their land to the state to become a state park if they feel the state will just close the park and let the property go to waste? Are the days of donating land to create a state park over? Has our lame duck governor ruined this for future generations?
We decided to visit Knox Farm State Park this past Monday after reading about it’s pending doom. We wanted to explore the park before it closed. We did a pleasant 2.8 mile loop hike and enjoyed our time at the park. On a late Monday morning, as we hiked we passed many other folks enjoying the park. Go to http://www.cnyhiking.com/NYSP-KnoxFarm.htm for more information on this state park.
I am thankful that this regime is quickly counting down their last days and pray that new regime will have the initiative to come up with the bright new ideas to not only keep state parks open, but to spend money to fix the parks as many parks have infrastructure that is in need of repair. I am sure many will agree that the state must create more revenue from the parks to help sustain them. This does not mean raising taxes, or increasing park entrance fees. There are other ways to generate revenue from parks.
After our visit to Knox Park, here’s a few ideas to better generate income from the park instead of closing the park. After all, wouldn’t it cost more to repair the abandoned buildings in the future, if you close the park?
Enjoying the snow covered trails at Knox Farm State Park
Our ideas for Knox Farm State Park
#1 – Signs. I saw no signs as we drove to Knox Farm State Park, until we arrived at the entrance. What about some signs on and off NY 400 as well as along NY 16/78 and US 20A? Before you can start increasing revenue, you’ll first need to lead visitors to the park. How many New Yorkers, outside of western NY, know of Knox Farm State Park?
#2 – There is a beautiful mansion in the park, that I believe the state is charging fees for wedding receptions. What about making the mansion into a bed & breakfast? How about creating meeting rooms in some of the bottom floor rooms and rent out to businesses for seminars and other business engagements. What a unique place where you can meet, then walk along the paths for outside discussions.
#3 – I saw numerous buildings where the old farm was. What about getting a few cows to create a living farm that visitors can explore, creating another unique aspect to the park. Many people never get a chance to see a working farm and at Knox Farm State Park, they would get that chance. I believe this would become a popular school field trip in our opinion. The park can create its own milk and cheese products that can be sold at the park gift shop or at local stores, creating revenue.
#4 – The area where the old farm buildings are also looked like it would be a real nice place for a weekend craft/open market during the spring/summer/fall. Bring in 20-25 unique local merchants to sell their crafts as well as other items. With a bit of advertising and the right vendors, this could be quite successful. Throw in items from the “Knox Farm” and its perfect!
#5 – I believe that the East Aurora gets a fair share of lake effect snow. I know when we explored the park on November 29th there were a few inches on the ground already and we saw on the news that the area had as much as four feet of snow in some locations. Many folks can’t afford to purchase snow shoes or would rather try it before purchasing. Why not rent snow shoes at the park? The trails are perfect for snow shoes. Could even think about renting x-c skis.
#6 – Advertisers and business partners. Allow local business to advertise at the park. Look for businesses that may want to be involved in the park operation and maintenance. Tax credits could go a long ways.
This would make Knox Farm a year round destination and the added activities should increase revenues to help make the park more sustainable, especially with the help of advertisers/local businesses. Anyone or any group can say the state must increase funding to its parks. If we want to make a difference, then we need to think outside the box. Better than closing the park and certainly better than just saying add more funds for the park. Better than having the local government take care of the park.
I also believe this will create a few new jobs in the area. I’ve been unemployed for over 17 months now, but who’s counting.
A healthy state park = increased jobs = added income to the local economy. Just our opinion. Happy Hiking!
