By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
On May 29, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that Central New York could move to the second phase of the state’s reopening plan.
Phase Two includes all office-based businesses, in-store shopping at retailers (malls remain closed), real estate services, and limited service at barbers and hair salons.
On the same day, Village of Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler provided another update on the local response to COVID-19.
Wheeler reported that there has been a great community response to the “dining out” picnic tables located throughout the village parks.
Residents are asked to help keep the parks clean and reminded that while Lakeland and Memorial Parks have a limited number of trash receptacles, Lakeside and Creekside Parks are “carry-in/carry-out” facilities without receptacles.
Visitors should take any refuse with them when they depart.
According to Wheeler, more tables will be added in the weeks ahead.
The village opened the Lakeland Park waterfront on Saturday, May 30. It will operate with social distancing protocols in place and be limited to half capacity (20 swimmers per zone).
“That will include 20 Splash/Beginner, 20 Intermediate, 20 Advanced (Diving area),” Wheeler said. “More details will be announced soon.”
Wheeler also reported that the village aims to maintain as many elements of the traditional July 4th celebration as possible with modifications to ensure everyone’s safety.
According to Wheeler, a vehicle and float parade is planned for the Fourth with an extended route to allow for spectators to spread out as they watch.
In lieu of the usual July 4th Foot Races, there will be an Independence Week Run, which will allow runners to safely maintain their annual tradition of completing the 1 mile, 5K or 10 mile course in Cazenovia.
Details about how to sign up and participate in the event will be released soon.
Summer “staycation” in Cazenovia
As the summer season quickly approaches, Cazenovia Area Community Development Association, Inc. (CACDA) is encouraging residents to vacation at home and support the local economy.
“Enhancing economic vitality is central to [our] mission and we are committed to continuing to support our partner organizations, small businesses and residents,” said CACDA Executive Director Lauren Lines.
Summers in Cazenovia are typically bustling, with the weekly farmers market, outdoor concerts, parades, graduations, weddings, reunions, and more.
“Much of our local economy is built around this season and our small businesses depend on it,” CACDA said in a press release. “[Due to COVID-19], this summer will be challenging . . . Trips abroad, to the beach, or to theme parks may have been canceled but we can take this opportunity to more thoroughly enjoy what is offered in the Cazenovia area while using our vacation budgets to support our local economy.”
CACDA recommends the following outdoor “staycation” activities to enjoy while social distancing:
- Hike the trails. Visit GoCaz.com for ideas and donate to Cazenovia Preservation Foundation and Stone Quarry Hill Art Park (just like you would pay admission at a National Park or theme park).
- Enjoy a night out. Get take-out and bring it to a local park (Lakeside, Lakeland, Creekside, Cannon Park or Gypsy Bay). The village has distributed a number of picnic tables throughout the parks to allow families to enjoy the outdoors while social distancing.
- Have a family photo session with a local photographer at a fun outdoor location.
- Get a golf membership at a local course.
- Take family tennis lessons.
- Rent kayaks/stand up paddle boards.
- Charter the Brewster Inn boat or attend “Yoga on the Lawn” when available.
- Look into sailing lessons at the Willow Bank Yacht Club when available.
- Enroll in CazArts Summer Art Classes for Adults (cazarts.com).
- Sign up for a virtual race (com/Race/NY/EntireState/OneNY).
- Visit the Beverage Trail.
- Take a drive and visit the farm stands that dot the countryside.
- Pick your own blueberries at Critz Farms (critzfarms.com).
Contact the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce (cazenovia.com) for information on taking advantage of these staycation ideas.
To learn more about CACDA, call 315-655-7651, email [email protected], or visit cacda.net.
For COVID-19 updates and resources, visit the CazCOVIDResponse website at sites.google.com/view/cazcovidresponse/home.
