From the supervisor: A fortunate community

By Jim Lanning

Town Supervisor

The community of Skaneateles was very fortunate to have several generous individuals and families with vision and foresight.

One of these individuals was Clarence M. Austin.  Mr. Austin signed his will on July 10 1922.

Upon his passing he left the area of his farm to the village of Skaneateles to be preserved as a public park known as Austin Park.

For nearly 100 years, the community has enjoyed the use of this park. We have played baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, soccer, and many other sports in Mr. Austin’s park.

His generosity has been enjoyed by countless individuals over many generations.

Throughout our stewardship of this park we have made countless improvements and renovations. The most recent being the new playground that the community came together to build in loving memory of a young boy.

The park was originally donated to the Village of Skaneateles.

For many years the village had a recreation department and maintained the facility.

As the community grew we all used the park for more and more events.  It was never intended to be exclusive use by the village residents, but rather a public park to be enjoyed by all.

Nearly 40 years ago the village got out of the recreation business and signed long term (40 year) leases with the town recreation department to manage the park. This shifted the costs of maintenance from village residents to all residents.

This consolidation of services was a wise decision that saved taxpayer dollars but created some complications.

Requests for use, ownership of building assets, and insurances were duplicated.  Now that the arena is no longer needed for ice, the future of that building is in transition with exciting opportunities ahead.

Village and Town officials have been in communications to transfer Austin Park ownership and responsibility from the Village of Skaneateles to the Town of Skaneateles.

The park will remain a community asset for all to use.

It will become town owned and managed within the village limits. It will continue to enjoy police patrols and village electric. Mr. Austin left his farm to be a park for the community to use. This will still be the case.

The town will be seeking state funds for renovations and modernizations.

We are envisioning improved picnic facilities, improved bathroom facilities, and expanded athletic facilities both indoor and outdoor.

This community asset will be improved and preserved for generations to come.

We are applying for State Legislature approval for this transfer. The past, present and future of Austin Park are bright.

Please join us as we improve and enhance this gem that we have inherited and leave it in better shape than we found it.