New patio project begins at park

New patio project begins at park

WATKINS GLEN--Work crews are busy at Watkins Glen State Park to ensure that not only are the trails safe and clear but also to build a new patio space for outdoor seating. Guest Services, which operates the retail shop and cafe at the park, is building a new $219,000 patio that state officials hope will not only increase seating but help to welcome guests to the building and park as well.
"The project is scheduled to be concluded right before Memorial Day and will have six to seven round tables and plantings which will do a really nice job of softening the storefront," said Fred Bonn, regional director for the Finger Lakes State Park System.
While the project is taking place at the state park, Bonn mentioned Guest Services is footing the entirety of the bill for the construction of the new patio.
"(Guest Services) approached us a couple years ago (about expanding its outdoor footprint by building a patio), but the project was delayed a year by COVID, but now they are building a small outdoor patio area and paying for it on their own dime," said Bonn.
Along with construction on the new patio, park crews are in the process of scaling, or cleaning up and ensuring the safety of the gorge trail. As a result, Bonn said he hopes the trail will be open before Memorial Day.
"It's routine maintenance that is absolutely essential to all the gorge parks in the Finger Lakes," Bonn added. "Our employees rappel down the side of the gorge and inspect for loose rock and knock down anything questionable."
That work, along with cleaning the trails, is more important than ever as large numbers of visitors are anticipated for the upcoming summer season.
"We are projecting another very strong season," Bonn said. "We experienced very strong visitation across the Finger Lakes last year with lots of first-time visitors so this should be a very good year for the park."
Watkins Glen Mayor Luke Leszyk agreed that excellent numbers were on the horizon.
"I think the new patio and new enhancements... are exciting," said Leszyk. "The park is always improving leading to more and more visitors each year which is extremely important for our economy."
Despite the expectations of strong attendance, Bonn said that social distancing and mask-wearing rules will still be enforced.
"We did a great job last year of folks maintaining social distancing, there is lots of signage up and ambassadors walk in the gorge encouraging people to follow the rules," said Bonn.