Please use the navigation menu at bottom the Page
Please use the navigation menu at bottom the Page
favicongohere
AMHERST STATE PARK
MenuGoHere
History of Amherst State Park News Archives
HAYES TO SPONSOR PARK NAMING CONTEST
Buffalo News, June 24, 1998 by Patrick Lakamp
An Amherst Town Board member said he's going to sponsor a contest among schoolchildren to name a park even though the Town Board rejected the idea last week.
Republican James P. Hayes, who is running for the Assembly, said he'd make sure contest forms are distributed to youth groups, Scouting groups and anyone who responds to a newspaper ad he's buying. Forms also can be requested from Hayes at Town Hall.
The town and state governments have come up with $5 million to buy about 100 acres of prime land owned by the Sisters of St. Francis. Negotiations are now under way to buy the land.
State parks and recreation officials want the word "state" in the park's name, but Supervisor Susan J. Grelick has said "Amherst" also should be in the name.
Currently, Amherst State Park seems to be the odds on favorite.
"I do not think the previously suggested Amherst State Park is an appropriate name for this beautiful, historic parcel, but I do think that our young people deserve a chance to offer their suggestions for a name before state and town officials declare us too far ahead in the process to have public participation in this effort," Hayes said.
Children 15 or younger may send suggestions for a park name to Hayes at Amherst Town Hall, 5583 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221.
Hayes said he would share the children's ideas with state and town officials.