CP to name park after one of founding fathers

CLIFTON PARK (Oct. 27) — This just in from Clifton Park town hall, and I can’t really think of anything to add to it:

“Town Supervisor Phil Barrett announced today that the 151 acres of town parkland along Route 146 in Rexford will be named ‘Garnsey Park’ after one of Clifton Park’s founding fathers, Nathan Garnsey.

“Garnsey Park is located between Waite and Wing roads along Route 146. The town acquired the two parcels that make up the parkland in 2005 and 2007. Based on input from residents, the town plans to develop a passive recreation facility that is consistent with the rural character of western Clifton Park and celebrates the agricultural heritage of the town.

The proposed sign for Garnsey Park, which is located between Waite and Wing roads along Route 146. The land was originally owned by Nathan Garnsey, who purchased it as part of a 553-acre parcel in 1783. (Courtesy: Town of Clifton Park)

The proposed sign for Garnsey Park, which is located between Waite and Wing roads along Route 146. The land was originally owned by Nathan Garnsey, who purchased it as part of a 553-acre parcel in 1783. (Courtesy: Town of Clifton Park)

“The land was originally owned by Nathan Garnsey, who purchased it as part of a 553-acre parcel in 1783. His son, Nathan Garnsey, Jr., served as the town’s second supervisor in 1829. The land was used as a farm and owned by the same family for over 100 years.

“’The Garnsey family left an indelible mark on the town of Clifton Park that lives on today,’ Barrett said. ‘This parkland will pay tribute to the farming heritage that defines our history and is still a large part of our culture and economy today.’

“The park will offer access to a diverse natural habitat including wetlands, open fields and forested hillsides. The land is located near some of Rexford’s oldest active working farms.

“The name for the park was recommended by the Route 146 Park Advisory Committee, which was organized by Councilman Tom Paolucci. The committee is working to translate the public input that was received last year at two town-wide information sessions into a design that will be brought back to the public later this year.

‘We received a lot of feedback from residents that we should pay tribute to the agrarian heritage of Clifton Park and the legacy of farming in our town,’ Paolucci said. ‘As soon as I heard the name Garnsey Park suggested, I knew it would be a perfect fit that will pay homage to that history and support those ideals.’”

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