Park looks to grant funding

WATKINS GLEN--During an update on the progress of all the work currently being done at Clute Park, Craig Bond, parks and events center manager, said that more people than ever are currently using the location. With millions already spent on upgrades, Bond also said there are hundreds of thousands of dollars of upgrades still in the pipeline including a new playground.
"Today was a really great day for the park," said Bond. "There were 60 second graders using the park and they had a great time. And it is interesting seeing all the projects kicking off at the same time. Right now we have stone paving and a new path that started work today, so a lot of activity. People are using the park more than they ever have and that is very nice to see."
Two of the bigger projects that are currently being considered include the construction of a new playground and upgrades to make the pavilion year-round usable. To make those projects possible, Bond said he is looking at grants to pay for as many of the projects as possible. The grant funding would then need to be considered in terms of the budget schedule.
David Lisk of the Schuyler County Historical Society gave an annual update to the board during which he expressed his gratitude for any financial assistance the historical society receives from the village.
"You really have been such a good supporter, we really do appreciate the support we get from the towns and villages but (specifically) we appreciate your support very much," said Lisk.
Lisk went on to say that due to popular demand, the historical society will be bringing back this summer the historical tours that were started last year.
"We started with some history walks in the summertime and they have been well received," said Lisk. "There are 5-15 people at each one of them so we are doing them again this year."
Lisk also announced a project to scan copies of the Watkins Glen Review and Express going back over 50 years so they can be searched digitally.
"[We have a] backlog of newspapers and we are in the process of scanning them all so they will all be searchable," said Lisk. "So that is going to be a big deal once we get them all in."
With so many newspapers going back so many years, Lisk said it will be a multi-year task.
"Now it will take two to three years to do it, but on most days there is someone scheduled for a couple hours (to scan in newspapers)," said Lisk.
After the presentation, Mayor Luke Leszyk said he and the board were grateful for all the work put in by the historical society.
"You volunteer your time and efforts so we appreciate everything that you guys do," said Mayor Luke Leszyk.