Gorge Trail Gateway Project Now Underway
The Gorge Trail Gateway will connect residents and visitors to beautiful Trails alongside Chittenango Creek in downtown Cazenovia.
In August 2024, the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) began construction on an exciting new project to improve local hiking trails and create a public green space on Albany Street (Route 20) in Cazenovia, on the east side of the Buyea True Value store parking area. The gateway will welcome both residents and visitors to explore the paths alongside Chittenango Creek. On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 am to 2:30 pm, CPF invites you to attend a grand opening celebration with hikes, tours, workshops, fly tying and fly fishing demonstrations, live music and food trucks.
Project Timeline Highlights
In 2021, CPF worked with a team from the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program to refine the conceptual project design under a technical assistance grant awarded to the Cazenovia Area Community Development Association (CACDA). CPF then hired local landscape architect, Matthew Vrendenburgh, to finalize the design, and secured a generous 20-year right-of-use agreement of the land from Earl Buyea, Sr. Earlier this year, CPF won approval from the Department of Transportation to reconfigure the bridge guardrail and install a pedestrian crosswalk across Route 20. In May 2024, CPF competitively selected Summit Environmental Construction as the general contractor for the project.
“I’m so impressed by how much collaboration was involved in this project right from the outset,” says David Beam, CPF’s project committee chairperson. “We’ve worked in partnership with CACDA, the Village of Cazenovia, the Buyea Family, and we’ve hired local contractors who are embracing the challenges of this unique and important project. I really think that this is going to change the whole character of this area of downtown.”
Increasing Visibility, Safety and Access
The GTG project will prioritize the safety and convenience of trail users with:
New timber steps will greatly improve access to hiking and fishing along Chittenango Creek.
a new crosswalk across Albany Street;
a dedicated pedestrian and bike entrance;
timber stairs to reach creek-side trails and fishing;
parking for easy access to picnic tables and trails; and
informational signs on local history and trail features.
“The new trail entrance will be highly visible and will create a link to Creekside Park, located behind the Cazenovia Public Library,” says CPF Executive Director, Jen Wong. “The project is an essential next step in CPF’s vision to create a connected network of trails and green spaces throughout Cazenovia and along the Chittenango Creek corridor.”
Stream Bank Stabilization
Over time, the waterflow of Chittenango Creek and frequent foot traffic have eaten away at the soil, exposing tree roots. CPF consulted with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a design to restore this area. During the next few weeks, H.R. Carter Enterprises will install a LUNKER system—an underwater crib-like structure which is anchored into the bank below the water surface. This will protect the bank and provide anglers with stream access. To further prevent erosion, a large slab of native limestone will be placed upstream to direct the flow of water back into the middle of the channel.
Boosting Business
The project will also bring economic benefits to the community. With increased trail use, local businesses are likely to see an increase in customers, as hikers and nature enthusiasts take the opportunity to explore the village before or after their outdoor adventures. In recent years, CACDA, the Chamber of Commerce/CazLife, and other local tourism promotion agencies have worked to promote Cazenovia as a destination for eco-tourism, drawing in visitors who value outdoor recreational resources, natural beauty, and small-town charm.
Project Funding & The GTG Campaign
CPF has already secured over $150,000 in funding from several sources: a grant from the Central New York Community Foundation’s (CNYCF) Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund; a grant from the Finger Lakes–Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance administered by the Madison County Planning Department; a gift from the Settel-Bennett family; a gift from the Wetzel CACDA Fund at CNYCF, and gifts from current and former CPF board members. Most of these dollars are being spent right here in our community, with local contractors and vendors.
CPF now is working to raise the remaining funds needed for construction and installation. As of September 1, 2024, CPF had received over $24,000 in community donations and needs just $7,100 to fully capture a $25,000 pledged match to reach our goal. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to completion. Please donate today at cazpreservation.org/gtgcampaign.