For Release: Tuesday, August 9, 2011
DEC Unveils Expanded Scaroon Manor Campground
Local Partnerships Key to Developing Upgraded Facilities at Historic Site
At a ceremonial ribbon-cutting today, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) celebrated the opening of the recently expanded Scaroon Manor Campground and Day Use Area. Encompassing 241 acres at Taylor's Point on the western shore of Schroon Lake, the campground can accommodate tents, trailers and self-contained RV campers and offers a great place to hike, fish, motorboat, paddle, bicycle, picnic and swim. Scaroon Manor, located in the Town of Chester (Warren County) and bordering the Town of Schroon (Essex County), has a storied history as a resort and is an important component of the local cultural heritage.
"We are thrilled to offer the public a one-of-a-kind campground that has been designed from the ground up to provide access to the natural beauty of the Adirondack Park to people of all abilities," said Joe Martens, DEC Commissioner. "I thank our local partners, including Warren County and the Towns of Chester and Schroon Lake for helping bring this project to fruition. We look forward to a boost to the regional economy as campers shop and dine in the area during their vacation."
LtoR: Carole Fraser, DEC Universal Access Coordinator;
Access Committee members Tim Barnett, The Nature
Conservancy and Greg Jones, NYS Commission on Quality
of Care for Persons with Disabilities; Senator Betty Little;
Town of Schroon Supervisor Cathy Moses; DEC
Commissioner Joe Martens; Town of Chester Supervisor
Fred Monroe; Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward;
R5 Director Betsy Lowe
Senator Betty Little said, "Scaroon Manor is a real treasure that is now accessible to all and that is something wonderful to celebrate. State and local officials and advocates for the disabled planned well and worked hard to get this right and they exceeded expectations. This is a beautiful place that says to people of all abilities - 'welcome to the Adirondacks.'"
Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward said, "More and more people are choosing to vacation close to home for financial reasons. Scaroon Manor Campground will offer a relaxing atmosphere in a beautiful setting for North Country residents and tourists alike who don't want to spend the extra money on an extravagant getaway."
The universal design of the campground provides accessible recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in accordance with the American Disabilities Act. All campsites, showers and restrooms are accessible. Campsites have accessibly designed ring fireplaces and picnic tables and smooth, hardened surfaces to ease mobility for those with wheelchairs or walking aids. There is beach access to the water's edge and the bath house includes a unisex room. Picnic tables are dispersed, located with views of the lake, in wooded areas and at the picnic pavilion. The boat docks and fishing pier are also accessible. One of the docks is reserved and an ample number of parking sites have been designated for people with disabilities only.
"The access to camping and recreation that Scaroon Manor provides to people with disabilities makes it a model for the nation," said Roger Bearden, Chair of the Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities. "DEC has done a great job and I look forward to working with the department as it continues to expand the concept of universal accessibility to other facilities across the state."
Construction on the Scaroon Manor Campground and Day Use Area began in 2004, and was a collaborative effort among DEC, Warren County Department of Public Works, the Town of Chester, the Town of Schroon, inmate crews from the Department of Correctional Services, Adirondack Park Agency staff, volunteers and competitively bid contractors whom all contributed labor, equipment, and materials to complete the project. The day use area was opened to the public in 2006.
Dan Stec, Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, said, "Scaroon Manor is a true gem of Warren County. It's richness in history and scenic beauty makes it a place to be enjoyed by all. The opening of this campground will add to the enjoyment it provides."
Fred Monroe, Supervisor, Town of Chester, said, "I applaud the long awaited development of the magnificent Scaroon Manor property into a beautiful campground and day use area. The two miles of shoreline on Schroon Lake and the signage interpreting its past history as the world class Scaroon Manor Resort, will make it a popular destination for tourists. The development of this property is an excellent example of a state and local partnership to create a recreational area which is sensitive to the environment and good for the economy."
Cathy Moses, Supervisor, Town of Schroon, said, "The Town of Schroon and our residents of Schroon are ecstatic that the campground is opening. It will be a great benefit to the local economy. We welcome campers to the shores of Schroon Lake, and know that they will enjoy the beauty of the lake, the mountains and the community."
Karen A. Thayer, Executive Director Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center, said, "This is wonderful! The members and staff of Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center are excited about the opening of this fully accessible campground and day use area. The campground presents an unparalleled opportunity for people with disabilities to access and fully appreciate the beauty of the North Country. The opening of this campground offers people with physical disabilities the chance to fully participate in the camping experience, and the accessibility features allow people with complex mobility needs to spend real quality time with friends and family enjoying fishing, picnics, and the outdoors. Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment!"
Don White, Quad Design, said, "DEC is to be commended on its commitment to using Universal Design principles to ensure their facilities can be used by all New Yorkers, regardless of age or ability. Persons with disabilities often do not get to enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities because of access barriers. DEC's Universal Design approach allows everyone to use their facilities, not only is this prudent and thoughtful on a 'person' level it is also prudent and thoughtful on a 'resource' level - increasing the numbers of people who can use the facilities. Scaroon Manor provides the opportunity to enjoy a fully accessible camping or outdoor recreation experience. So accessible in fact, that many folks with disabilities can enjoy it with complete independence or along with their families and friends. It's just great."
Scaroon Manor Campground has 60 campsites located on three loops - Morning Star Loop with 17 sites, Taylor Point Loop with 28 sites and Amphitheater Loop with 15 sites. A combined bathroom/shower house with flush toilets and hot water is centrally located within each of the loops. A trailer dump station, a recycling center and a pay phone are also located on the campground.
The day use area is open to all campers and provides numerous recreational amenities. A beach, large swimming area and even larger lawn immediately adjacent to the beach provide space for people to swim, play and relax. The beach bathhouse contains changing areas, flush toilets and sinks. A nearby picnic pavilion contains 20 picnic tables, with 38 picnic sites located in three general areas close to the beach area.
Boaters can access the campsite and day use area using Schroon Lake Boat Launch located at the southern end of the lake. Boats can be docked at the campground allowing campers to fish, water ski or just enjoy a day on the water. A fishing pier is located adjacent to the boat docks. The nearby hamlets of Schroon and Chester contain restaurants, antique shops, gift stores and various craft shops.
To view a map of the campground and the day use area visit DEC's website.
Campsite reservations can be made at Reserve America (link in right column) or by phone: 1-800-456-CAMP (1-800-456-2267).
