Mount Utsayantha Project News

Utsayantha Park Project Gains Steam

April 13, 2004

Stamford -- The Village of Stamford recently announced that it has secured over $15,000 to date toward the restoration of the park atop Mt. Utsayantha. Senator John J. Bonacic (R-Mt. Hope) has allocated $10,000 in Senate Initiatve funding toward the project, which will be administered through the non-profit Catskill Center for Conservation and Development. The Catskill Center has been involved with this project since working with the village to prepare a redevelopment plan for the site late last year.

In addition, a recent application to the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O'Connor Foundation for a $5,000 "challenge grant" has been approved by their Board of Directors. These funds need to be matched dollar-for-dollar by contributions from the community to demonstrate local support for the project. Donation cans have already been placed at key locations around Stamford, and a fundraising brochure is being printed. Members of the "Friends of Utsayantha" group have also given presentations to local groups such as the Stamford Rotary and Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness of the project.

This volunteer-based group has meet several times over the Winter to develop a work plan for the project, start raising funds and begin implementing the recommendations outlined in the redevelopment plan. A work weekend has been scheduled for June 5th and 6th, during which volunteers will start work on the park, make emergency repairs to stabilize the observation building, and restore the fire tower.

The next meeting of the "Friends of Utsayantha" group will take place on Monday, May 17th at 7PM at the Stamford Village Hall. Anyone interested in learning more or helping out with the project is welcome to attend.

For more information contact Mayor Waylen Bray at (607) 652-6671.

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