Town of Clifton Park

One Town Hall Plaza | Clifton Park, New York 12065 | (518) 371-6651| FAX: (518) 371-1136

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE:
December 16, 2015
CONTACT: Phil Barrett, (518) 371-0083

Clifton Park, Saratoga County, Forge Path

to Agreement on Kinns Road Park
Town of Clifton Park to Continue Management Role of Park

Clifton Park, NY -- The Town of Clifton Park and Saratoga County have agreed upon a path forward for the future
management of Kinns Road Park. Representatives of both governmental entities have held discussions since late
October about the future of the park.
Kinns Road Park is located in the Town of Clifton Park on Kinns Road. New York State gave the property to the
County in 1930. The County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in 1976, designating the property as a park and
authorized improvements. The Town has managed the park since the late 70s, although the two entities did not
execute a written document specifically outlining these responsibilities.
The Town currently performs all management tasks at the park, including maintenance of the parking lot and trails,
tree removal, public safety patrolling and other important tasks. The Town and County will establish a management
agreement to formalize the Town's oversight of the park.
The Town will also engage the services of an experienced forester to complete a management plan for the park. The
Town of Clifton Park will manage all facets of Kinns Road Park following proven techniques and established
standards for parks with similar features, said Town Supervisor Phil Barrett. The recreational features of the park
will be preserved and enhanced over time.
The Town is considering hiring a forestry consultant at its next Town Board Meeting, Monday the 21 st of December.
We have completed our due diligence to ensure we were prepared to move quickly if an agreement with Saratoga
County came to fruition, said Barrett. We have identified a consultant uniquely qualified to craft a management
plan for the park and also have an outline of a thorough management agreement.
Barrett praised his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors for their thoughtful consideration of the beautiful park used
by many County residents. Through the leadership of Chairman Veitch and my colleagues on the Board of
Supervisors, we have arrived at a positive solution for all parties involved, said Barrett. The Town will embark on
the process of completing a management plan in 2016, working with the forestry consultant through a robust public
planning process. We appreciate the many people that have expressed their views on this matter in recent weeks, said
Barrett. The continued involvement and support of interested residents will be important throughout the planning
process and especially crucial as the plan is executed.
Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Matthew Veitch, was happy with the results. Saratoga
County manages over 3,000 acres of forestry parcels, in many towns throughout the County. Although we approach
the logging of each parcel the same way, we came to realize that the Kinns Road parcel should be treated differently.
The town has proposed a viable alternative, and we are looking forward to formalizing a management agreement with
the Town, so that those lands can continue to be enjoyed by both town and County residents. Going forward, we will
also work on a path to full ownership of the Parcel by the Town. I want to thank the members of the public who came
to our board meetings to share with us their views on this issue. Going forward, we will also work on a path to full
ownership of the Parcel by the Town.
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PHILIP C. BARRETT
Supervisor
JAMES M. WHALEN
Councilman

AMY J.H. STANDAERT

Councilwoman

LYNDA M. WALOWIT
Councilwoman

JAMES J. ROMANO
Councilman