Totally Refurbished Rogers Memorial Park Advances a Sustainable Vision for the Waterfront in the Town of Bolton 

Funding provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program 

The New York State Department of today announced the completion of the improvements for Rogers Memorial Park as part of the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The $3.2 million, multi-phased project was funded in part with $1.8 million in Environmental Protection Fund LWRP grants that advanced the park’s waterfront planning from vision to implementation to help create an enhanced waterfront to bring economic, cultural, and environmental contributions to the region.

New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “A vibrant waterfront can be a community’s greatest natural, recreational and economic asset. The completion of Rogers Memorial Park demonstrates Bolton’s long-term commitment to sustainable waterfront revitalization and stewardship.  This waterfront park is already bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds and incomes, helping to spark greater community revitalization. I am proud of our productive relationship with the Town of Bolton in implementing and completing this visionary project.”

The most recent improvements to Rogers Memorial Park as part of the final phases of work include a pedestrian overlook and accessible, lit paths; installation of irrigation and stormwater infrastructure; stabilization of the hillside; rehabilitation and improvement to docking facilities, a performance shelter, terraced retaining walls, parking area improvements, and installation of underground utility lines.  

Senator Daniel Stec said "The completion of the Rogers Memorial Park project brings needed revitalization to the park and its waterfront. The improvements preserve the local character of the park, while also improving accessibility and increasing opportunities for visitors. The improved Rogers Memorial Park is truly great news for the Town of Bolton and the future of its waterfront."

Assemblymember Matthew Simpson said “The Town of Bolton has been and remains a tremendous steward of the pristine waters of Lake George and the surrounding Lake George basin. Residents and Town Leadership partnering with State and County officials have created a culture that continues to embrace the surrounding natural environment in making it synonymous with the community’s identity. With this funding, we will all bear witness to the tremendous creation of what was once just a conceptual idea on paper to what has become a truly magnificent showcase of what this lakeside community aims to represent not just for other area residents but for visitors from all over the world. This is truly something that all of us from the Lake George region can be proud of.”  

Bolton Town Supervisor Ronald Conover said “The Rogers Memorial Park completion brings a most needed vibrant waterfront for Bolton residents who can now enjoy a natural asset with family and friends.We are thankful to the Department of State for this great waterfront revitalization that will bring many economic opportunities to our Town to attract business, visitors and residents alike.” 

The Town first started the work on the park improvements in 2009 with improvements to the town pier including reconstruction to the anchoring of the main structure, installation of composite decking, a new public shelter, pavement, stormwater improvements, dry hydrants, safety railing, additional dock slips, and lighting, benches, and landscaping. The overall project also included the construction of a Visitor and Heritage Center, public restroom facility, entry plaza and enhancing pedestrian connections between the business district and the waterfront.

The Town of Bolton’s LWRP was approved by the Secretary of State in 2018. The Town of Bolton LWRP is a locally prepared, comprehensive land and water use plan for the Town’s natural, public, and developed waterfront resources, which seeks to provide a balance of environmental, recreational, and economic development actions, while aspiring to coordinate local and state policies for a sustainable revitalization of the local waterfront and preservation of its unique character. The LWRP provides a comprehensive framework within which critical waterfront issues can be addressed and waterfront improvement projects can be pursued and implemented.

The Department of State’s LWRP, funded under Title 11 of the EPF, provides matching grants on a competitive basis to eligible villages, towns, cities and counties located along New York’s coasts or designated inland waterways for planning, design and construction projects to revitalize communities and waterfronts. The DOS Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure works in partnership with waterfront communities across the State through the LWRP focusing on protecting natural and cultural resources, expanding public access opportunities and strengthening the local economy. This program helps communities breathe new life into their underused waterfront assets in ways that ensure successful and sustainable revitalization. To learn more about the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, visit here.

                                             ###