Director of the Broome County Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Services, Liz Woidt is on the weekly, local public affairs program, Southern Tier Close Up with details about some exciting new programs and developments this year.

After being forced to drastically limit operations and cancel programs last year due to the pandemic, the county's parks are open for the season with all the amenities including boat rentals, family camping, pavilion rentals and concessions.

WNBF News/Roger Neel Photo
WNBF News/Roger Neel Photo
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Woidt says they are now announcing a new series of family programs in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Finch Hollow Nature Center that will be held at Finch Hollow as well several of the Broome County Parks.  Woidt says families can enjoy the Weeks Without Walls programs like nature walks, a "pond safari", a guided canoe/kayak paddle and even frog jumping competitions this summer.

There is also a return this year of the Broome Bands Together concerts and movies for families in the park.

Photo courtesy Broome County gov.
Photo courtesy Broome County gov.
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Another exciting development is the construction underway this year of an inclusive playground at Dorchester Park.  Woidt says the park, that will allow nature-based fun and play for people of all abilities, should be complete by the fall and is expected to draw visitors from all over the northeast.  Dorchester Park is, of course, perfectly located just off Interstate 81 in a beautiful setting with swimming, picnic areas and boating. Woidt reveals another component of the facilities will be an Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant kayak launch. It will be one of the few accessible boat launches in the country.

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For more information on park events, pavilion reservations and facilities at Nathaniel Cole Park, Dorchester Park, Greenwood Park, Grippen Park, Roundtop Picnic Area, Hawkins Pond Nature Area and Otsinigo Park call (607) 778-2193 or email bcparks@broomecounty.us or go to gobroomecounty.com/parks. Reservations for picnic shelters and campsites can be made at www.reserveamerica.com.

Southern Tier Close Up is heard Saturdays at 6:03 a.m. on News Radio 1290 WNBF and anytime at the WNBF podcast.

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