Clute Memorial Park
Village of Watkins Glen, Schuyler County, NY
Clute Memorial Park, located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, has long been Watkins Glen’s showcase park. Donated to the village by the Clute family, the park has evolved for more than 50 years into a beloved public space offering lake access, picnic pavilions, walking paths, a dog beach, and recreational amenities for all ages.
In 2018, the Village of Watkins Glen was awarded $10 million through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Public input during the planning process identified Clute Park as a centerpiece for investment, setting the stage for a new era of transformation.
The Spark
The DRI award ignited a wave of improvements, with residents and planners envisioning Clute Park as both a recreational hub and a community anchor. A new event center, bathhouse, splash pad, and seasonal ice rink became focal points of the revitalization, while additional funding from NYS Parks and local partners enabled the creation of an award-winning all-inclusive playground.
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As Mayor Laurie DeNardo shared, the park represents not only natural beauty, but also “transformational investments that enhance downtown, expand year-round opportunities, and bring our community together.”
The Project
Guided by Mayor DeNardo and co-chair Judy McKinney-Cherry, the DRI Local Planning Committee coordinated state, county, and local resources to bring the project to life. Key partners included:
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State Leadership: Governor Kathy Hochul and multiple NYS agencies, including Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Empire State Development, and the Department of State.
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Local Leadership: Village officials, Schuyler County, and a dedicated superintendent of parks, Stacey Parrish.
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Community Engagement: Business owners, private sector partners, school officials, residents, and employees of Chemung-Schuyler ARC all contributed input to ensure inclusive planning.
The result was a multi-phase, collaborative effort that blended state investment with local vision and community priorities.
Community Impact
The revitalized park has amplified the community’s capacity for gatherings, recreation, and celebration. From summer concerts to winter skating, baseball games to family picnics, Clute Park has become a year-round anchor for local life.
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With Watkins Glen attracting over 1.4 million visitors annually, the park also plays a symbolic role in welcoming newcomers, showcasing the village’s commitment to safety, beauty, and inclusivity.
Equity & Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion were central to every stage of the project. ADA compliance guided design decisions, ensuring barrier-free access to playgrounds, facilities, and paths. The Village intentionally engaged long-term residents, local businesses, school officials, and disability advocates to shape a welcoming park for all.
As Mayor DeNardo emphasized, inclusion is not an afterthought but a “critical element of our work,” evident in the design of the all-inclusive playground and the spirit of public engagement.
Outcomes and Benefits
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A splash pad and ice rink, drawing thousands of visitors year-round
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Safer, more modern bathrooms and public facilities
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A fully ADA-compliant playground that welcomes children of all abilities
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Walking paths, a dog-friendly beach, and picnic spaces for everyday use
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Expanded recreation programs for Schuyler County youth
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A new event center and bandstand supporting community concerts, festivals, and private celebrations
Together, these features make Clute Park not only a local treasure, but also a regional draw — strengthening Watkins Glen’s identity as both a tourist destination and a vibrant hometown.
Reflections
“I personally enjoy watching the children play; our summer recreation program thrives; winter ice skating on the end of Seneca Lake; baseball games; all ages walking our paths and more.”
Laurie DeNardo, Mayor of Watkins Glen
Lessons Learned / Transferable Insights
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Major state initiatives like the DRI can serve as catalysts for broad local transformation
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Success builds success: early investment can spark further grant awards and private revitalization
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Community-driven planning, with diverse voices at the table, leads to lasting inclusivity
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Public parks can balance everyday recreation with large-scale events, strengthening both local life and regional tourism
Clute Memorial Park’s revitalization demonstrates the power of place-based investment to transform not just a park, but a whole community. Once a beloved but aging local amenity, the park is now a year-round destination that reflects Watkins Glen’s vision of inclusivity, vibrancy, and pride. Standing at the southern gateway to Seneca Lake, Clute Park is both a gathering place for residents and a welcoming point for millions of visitors, proof that when a community invests in its public spaces, the returns ripple far beyond its borders.
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