Love exploring nature in the Saratoga area? If so, you’re in luck! A 246-acre park is in the works at the intersection of Route 50 and Middle Line Road, just across from the Wm. H. Buckley Farm, and could be open in time for winter activities. Get the details:
The Town of Ballston recently completed the purchase of a large Hawkwood estate using money donated by the late Frank Schidzick, Jr. Schidzick, a local farmer, passed away in 2001 and left the town money to be used for recreation purposes. The remaining estate funds could be used to pay for park improvements such as restroom facilities. The parcel will be managed by the town and preserved by Saratoga PLAN.
The property has a creek that flows into Ballston Lake and foundations from an old mansion. In the future, the Town of Ballston will mark trails for hiking and snowmobiling, create a parking area and secure archaeological sites on the property for educational and recreational opportunities.
Supervisor Patrick Ziegler told the Times Union that protecting the site from future development is “critical to the health of Ballston Lake and will help preserve the rural character of the town.”
Town officials will walk through the property in the coming days to see if it will be able to open in time for winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Source:
Times Union
