Timeline
1965
The origin of the Chautauqua County Parks dates to 1965 when the County Planning Board recommended to the County Board of Supervisors that a County Park Study Committee be appointed to consider the establishment of a county park system. Resolution 212-65 affirmed that county government does have a role to perform in the field of recreation, “Which role basically is the acquisition of public access to the unusual and unique areas of Chautauqua County and the preservation of the scenic qualities of these areas,….” The need to acquire public access to the unusual and unique areas in the county was heightened by a recognition that the availability of access to these areas by the public was decreasing.
1966
The Chautauqua County Park Study Committee was appointed, with Marden Cobb of the Town of Pomfret as Chairman.
1968
The County Park Study Committee reported to the Board of Supervisors in June, recommending the creation of “….a county park system which will meet the present and future needs of the county.” The Study Committee members also proposed that the park system consist of overland trails, a waterway trail, three overview sites, and the preservation of two gorge areas (Chautauqua Gorge and Canadaway Creek Gorge).
1969
County Forester Curt Bauer began acquiring land and easements for the overland trails and other park system components. Supervisor Fred Cusimano from Jamestown proposed a resolution to create a County Parks Commission.
1974
Following the change in the system of county government from the Board of Supervisors to the Executive and Legislative form , the first members of the County Parks Commission were appointed by the County Legislature. The acquisition of land and trail easements continued.
1978
The construction of the West Side Overland Trail got into high gear with the addition of youth crews under the Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA).
1979
The first Chautauqua Overland Ski Marathon was held, with about 400 cross country ski enthusiasts participating. Much of the 55 kilometer course utilized the West Side Overland Trail.
1980
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) youth crews participated in a 2-day orientation program before beginning their summer work on various Chautauqua County park facilities, including the two Overland Trails.
1981
The West Side Overland Trail was designated a National Recreation Trail by Secretary of the Interior James Watt.
1982
A newly completed 5 mile section was added to the East Side Overland Trail. With 24 miles open and a new pond with 2 Adirondack lean-tos for campers, the trail was nearing completion.
1983
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) youth crews continue maintaining and improving the county overland trails. Their projects include the construction of new bridges.
1984
The fifth and final year of the Chautauqua Overland Ski Marathon was held.
1992
A new parking lot adjacent to the West Side Overland Trail on Rte. 430 near Mayville was constructed.
1996
A new parking lot adjacent to the West Side Overland Trail on Rte. 474 was constructed.
1997
Older sections of the East Side and West Side Overland Trails were reconstructed, including the replacement of older bridges and the construction of raised trail over wet areas.
1998
The West Side Overland Trail was named to honor Fred J. Cusimano, and the East Side Overland Trail was named to honor Earl Cardot. Both men were long-time Parks Commission members and were active in county government.
1998
A new parking lot adjacent to the East Side Overland Trail was constructed on the Gerry-Ellington Road.
1999
Sections in Mount Pleasant Road area of the Cusimano West Side Overland Trail were reconstructed, including the replacement of older bridges.
2007
New log lean-tos were constructed with material from pre-packaged kits to replace the original structures built from logs harvested from county forest land nearly 30 years ago.
