Improvements eyed for Falconer’s Millrace Park
Abe Mattison Millrace Park, which is owned by Chautauqua County, may be getting some upgrades through the $4.5M New York Forward Grant the village of Falconer received.
Vehicles that enter Millrace Park in Falconer must drive into the parking lot of Fancher Chair.
This park bench, which sits alongside the Chadakoin River, is one of the few amenities in Abe Mattison Millrace Park in Falconer.
Abe Mattison Millrace Park, which is owned by Chautauqua County, may be getting some upgrades through the $4.5M New York Forward Grant the village of Falconer received.
Vehicles that enter Millrace Park in Falconer must drive into the parking lot of Fancher Chair.
This park bench, which sits alongside the Chadakoin River, is one of the few amenities in Abe Mattison Millrace Park in Falconer.
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FALCONER - During its monthly August meeting, members of the Chautauqua County Planning Board sat on the grounds in Abe Mattison Millrace Park.
That's because there's not even a park bench for the public to sit at.
In the summertime the county Planning Board will often hold one of its meetings at a county-owned park.
Located on Everett Street behind the Fancher Chair Company and surrounded by residential neighborhoods, Millrace Park is well maintained, but under-utilized. In order to access the park, visitors must drive through Fancher Chair's parking lot on South Work Street. The public can also get to the park on foot by taking a paved path on Prosser Street or Anderson Avenue.
Once in the park, one can walk alongside the Chadakoin River, and there are a couple of benches to sit. But outside of that, there's little in the park.
In the past there were picnic tables, but they were removed apparently due to vandalism.
During the board meeting, Planning Coordinator Rebecca Wurster noted that upgrades are being considered through the $4.5 million NY Forward grant awarded to Falconer.
Wurster said Falconer's local planning committee is looking at a number of possible projects with the NY Forward funds. One proposal is access to the park.
"It's always been awkward coming through Fancher Chair to get to the parking lot," Wurster said.
The committee has discussed better signage and a different parking lot.
Other items under discussion include picnic tables, improving trails, making some safety improvements and more.
The village also has some vacant property next to Millrace Park. Wurster said they've discussed having a playground installed on that property.
At this point, Wurster said the local planning committee is still gathering cost estimates and proposals. Once they have that, they will finalize their plan and submit it to the state for final approval.
County Planning Board members agreed that the park, while well maintained, doesn't have a lot of amenities and could use some upgrades.