Recreation & Tourism
Elmira, Chemung County and the Southern Tier are beautiful jewels in New York. Though we could and should do more to promote Elmira as a gateway to the Finger Lakes, let’s focus our attention much more on developing and highlighting the great natural and historic features right in town as we give a new life to our city.
One proposal I would like to suggest is that Elmira work with other communities along the Chemung River and with organizations like the Friends of the Chemung River and state and federal agencies to promote the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The outstanding beauty of the Chemung River lends itself to greater recreational opportunities. The City, in collaboration with these entities, should consider identifying potential, safe campsites along the river for canoeists and kayakers who would like to plan lengthy trips. Already each year more and more boaters are making the excursion from various locations in New York through the watershed to the Chesapeake Bay. Providing campsites would draw attention to the value of maintaining the natural and environmental qualities of the watershed. It would highlight the importance of protecting the river from pollution and of fostering recreational activities, like fishing, boating and camping. Let’s become a model for the completion of a water trail to the sea.
It is also my hope that we will include this magnificent river as an integral part of our future plans for Elmira. Let’s re-imagine it an asset to our well-being and no longer a threat. I would like us to provide greater accessibility to the river and to enhance the environment through landscaping, walking paths, park benches, etc. Let’s also promote more boating and fishing opportunities and encourage tourism in Elmira. Such improvements would tremendously enhance the revitalization efforts of our downtown and contribute enormously to making Elmira a livable, inviting, and business-friendly environment and destination.
Finally, as I mentioned in the section, “A Proud History,” a prominent and proud feature of Elmira and Chemung County’s history is the industry associated with fire prevention. I would like to see the City, preferably in partnership with the County, incorporate some of the buildings owned by The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company and the Elmira Fire Station no. 4, known as the Maxwell Place Fire Station, into a museum of firefighting and firefighting equipment in the U.S.
Let’s open our imaginations and dreams and make Elmira stand out in tribute to its magnificent past, thrive as a vibrant, proud community, and serve as a model for future development in America.
One proposal I would like to suggest is that Elmira work with other communities along the Chemung River and with organizations like the Friends of the Chemung River and state and federal agencies to promote the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The outstanding beauty of the Chemung River lends itself to greater recreational opportunities. The City, in collaboration with these entities, should consider identifying potential, safe campsites along the river for canoeists and kayakers who would like to plan lengthy trips. Already each year more and more boaters are making the excursion from various locations in New York through the watershed to the Chesapeake Bay. Providing campsites would draw attention to the value of maintaining the natural and environmental qualities of the watershed. It would highlight the importance of protecting the river from pollution and of fostering recreational activities, like fishing, boating and camping. Let’s become a model for the completion of a water trail to the sea.
It is also my hope that we will include this magnificent river as an integral part of our future plans for Elmira. Let’s re-imagine it an asset to our well-being and no longer a threat. I would like us to provide greater accessibility to the river and to enhance the environment through landscaping, walking paths, park benches, etc. Let’s also promote more boating and fishing opportunities and encourage tourism in Elmira. Such improvements would tremendously enhance the revitalization efforts of our downtown and contribute enormously to making Elmira a livable, inviting, and business-friendly environment and destination.
Finally, as I mentioned in the section, “A Proud History,” a prominent and proud feature of Elmira and Chemung County’s history is the industry associated with fire prevention. I would like to see the City, preferably in partnership with the County, incorporate some of the buildings owned by The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company and the Elmira Fire Station no. 4, known as the Maxwell Place Fire Station, into a museum of firefighting and firefighting equipment in the U.S.
Let’s open our imaginations and dreams and make Elmira stand out in tribute to its magnificent past, thrive as a vibrant, proud community, and serve as a model for future development in America.