FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2007
CANAL CORPORATION AND PARKS & TRAILS NY ANNOUNCE STATEWIDE CANALWAY TRAIL CELEBRATION TO TAKE PLACE JUNE 2
Celebration in Conjunction with National Trails Day Will Highlight New York’s Premier Recreational Trail
The New York State Canal Corporation, in conjunction
with Parks and Trails New York (PTNY), a statewide non-profit organization, and
the Canalway Trails Association of New York (CTANY), is organizing a statewide
Canalway Trail Celebration on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 2, 2007.
Local communities are planning festivities and special events to recognize the
growing prominence of the Erie Canalway Corridor as a world-class recreationway
and tourist destination for visitors and residents. With more than 260 miles of
developed trail, the statewide Canalway Trail is fast becoming one of the
nation’s premier cycling and multi-use trail destinations.
Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello said, “The Canal Corporation is
pleased to work with our partners, local canal communities and volunteers to
promote and celebrate the Canalway Trail. The Canalway Trail offers exciting
recreational opportunities for New York residents, as well as visitors to the
Canal System and is helping to foster tourism and economic revitalization
throughout the Canal Corridor. We are excited for this weekend’s activities and
encourage all New Yorker’s to come out and enjoy the Trail with family and
friends.”
Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said, “The
Canalway Trail Celebration provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the
Canalway Trail and its many benefits to local citizens and visitors. The wide
array of events and activities planned for the day, offering something for every
age and interest, is very exciting.”
Canalway Trail Association of New York President, Carol Schmelz, said, “I
encourage the public to participate in one or more of the many free canal events
offered during the Canalway Trail Celebration on June 2. Take a walk or a bike
ride on the Canalway Trail to smell the spring blossoms, hear the baby birds
chirping and interact face to face with others, perhaps even some geese that may
be using the trail. Consider exploring a canal town rich in historical
significance, especially for residents of New York State. And for a relaxing
change of pace be sure to stop for a leisurely lunch or some ice cream at a
quaint little shop along the way. This is your special day to enjoy the Canalway
Trail.”
Individuals and trail groups across the Canalway Trail Corridor are encouraged
to participate in one of the Canalway Trail Celebration events planned for
National Trails Day. A list of events can be found at
http://www.ptny.org/canalway/celebration.html.
The New York State Canalway Trail System is comprised of a network of multi-use,
recreational trails across upstate New York. While more than two-thirds of the
348-mile Erie Canalway Trail is complete, the Canalway Trail System is currently
comprised of four major segments: the Erie Canal Heritage Trail in Western New
York; the Old Erie Canal State Park Trail in Central New York; the Mohawk-Hudson
Bike Hike Trail in the Capital Region, and the Glens Falls Feeder Canal Trail in
the foothills of the Adirondacks near Lake George.
To obtain a free map of the New York State Canalway Trail System, please call
1-800-4CANAL4. To learn more about the Canalway Trail System, visit the Canal
Corporation’s Website at:
http://www.nyscanals.gov/exvac/trail/index.html.
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The New York State Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major incidents and emergencies that may affect travel on the Thruway or navigation on the Canal System. To sign up for the Canal TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Corporation's website at www.nyscanals.gov/tas/. To sign-up for Thruway TRANSalerts please visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.