Coldest Weather of the Winter Means Great Seasonal Fun at All Erie County Parks
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Winterfest weather is here this weekend and the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry invites county residents and visitors to come out and enjoy the great outdoors at any one of the county parks with seasonal fun including sledding, skating, skiing and more. While motorists may be tired of the snow and cold, conditions are ideal this weekend for families to enjoy free activities and make lifelong memories by enjoying some wintertime together at the park.
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “Make the most out of the winter season by coming out to enjoy some seasonal activities at our Erie County parks. This weekend we will be experiencing some true Winterfest-type weather so there’s no better time have some free fun with family members.”
Please check the Parks’ department website prior to heading out for the latest information on what activities are happening and to ensure that you are properly prepared for your activity of choice. The Parks’ activities page is updated regularly as conditions change.
Akron Falls Park is open for sledding and ungroomed xc skiing; Chestnut Ridge Park is open for sledding, ungroomed xc skiing, and downhill skiing and snowboarding; Como Lake Park is open for sledding and ungroomed xc skiing; Ellicott Creek Park is open for sledding and ungroomed xc skiing; Elma Meadows Park is open for sledding and groomed xc skiing; Emery Park is open for ungroomed xc skiing and downhill skiing and snowboarding; Grover Cleveland Golf Course offers ungroomed xc skiing; and Sprague Brook Park is open for sledding and both groomed and ungroomed xc skiing.
The ski tow at Emery Park and Chestnut Ridge operates Wednesday – Friday from 3PM – 7PM and on weekends from 10AM – 7PM. The toboggan runs at Chestnut Ridge are open Saturday and Sunday from 10AM – 4PM.
Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel added, “The Parks are a special place during the winter months and offer unparalleled natural beauty along with a variety of ways to enjoy time outdoors. Whether you’re planning to do some solo skiing or gathering up the family to make some winter memories, we urge you to avoid disappointment by checking the website first to make sure the activities you are interested in are taking place.”
In addition to the Parks’ traditional winter activities, the Erie County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs operates a network of snowmobile trails across Erie County. Some of those trails go through or near several Erie County Parks and we specifically allow snowmobile trailer parking at Chestnut Ridge Park, Emery Park and Sprague Brook Park. Snowmobiling is only permissible on the designated NYS trails after January 1st of each year.
For more information:
On Parks and winter activities, visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/
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