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SHAYNE R. GALLO, MAYOR                 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 11, 2013

AWARD RECEIVED TO BENEFIT FORSYTH NATURE CENTER

Mayor Shayne R. Gallo and Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Gilfeather announced that a $20,000 grant has been received from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) for the general operating costs associated with the City’s Forsyth Nature Center. The grant was funded through the Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums Program, which is an annual appropriation in the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).

Kevin Gilfeather commented, “In previous years, our department received $15,000 a year and we anticipate receiving a total grant allocation of $60,000, which equates to $20,000/year for the next three years. We will reapply for funding in 2016. The Forsyth Nature Center is visited by approximately 50,000 visitors a year and with our noticeable ADA porous pavers around the facility, porous asphalt parking lot improvements and the addition of llamas and alpacas in the
zoo, we anticipate that figure will increase significantly.”

Mayor Gallo added, “This grant will complement our departmental improvements and make the Forsyth Park a better City attraction for families and visitors to the community. Our Nature Center is the only City-owned facility that has solar panels to help reduce needs for traditional electricity. This additional funding will also help with the public and school-based programs that are offered with assistance from Steve and Julie Noble, our environmental educators.”

For further information call Kevin Gilfeather at (845) 331-1682.

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