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Pictured, from left, at the new Oppenheim playground are: DPW Commissioner Garret Meal, Park Director Jeff Gaston, Legislator Jesse Gooch and Parks Supervisor Frank Rotella.
Pictured, from left, at the new Oppenheim playground are: DPW Commissioner Garret Meal, Park Director Jeff Gaston, Legislator Jesse Gooch and Parks Supervisor Frank Rotella.

Niagara County officially opening parks for summer

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Thu, May 27th 2021 08:25 pm

New animal-themed playground installed at Oppenheim Park

Niagara County will officially open its county parks for the season on Saturday, May 29. The county operates five sites: Burmaster, Krull, Oppenheim, Royalton and West Canal. All amenities in the parks, including playgrounds, shelters and splash pads – as well as the disc golf course at Burmaster Park – are ready to go.

“Compared to where we were one year ago when the park openings were delayed and amenities were limited because of the pandemic, it’s exciting to fully open our parks for the season on time and welcome Niagara County residents to enjoy all that they have to offer this Memorial Day weekend,” said Becky Wydysh, chairwoman of the Niagara County Legislature. “Thank you to Public Works Commissioner Garret Meal, Parks Director Jeff Gaston and the parks team for getting everything ready.”

The park opening announcement was highlighted by the installation of new playground equipment at Oppenheim Park that has a wild animal theme.

“The playground is a nod to history for those of us old enough to remember when the park was next to Oppenheim Zoo,” Legislator Jesse Gooch said. “I want to acknowledge the work of Frank Rotella, parks supervisor, and his team for the playground installation and surrounding site work. County workers were able to do this work at a fraction of what it would have cost to hire an outside contractor. I also want to thank our State senator, Rob Ortt, for delivering the grant money that made the new playground possible.”

Meal said he expects county parks will see heavy usage this year and is especially proud of the disc golf course at Burmaster Park, which has received national recognition.

“The Bond Lake Disc Golf Course at Burmaster Park is rated No. 1 in New York state and No. 33 in the world by udisc.com, the leading site and app for disc golfers,” he said. “I hear all the time how this is a tremendous gem in our parks system that attracts people from all over to come play.”

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