Letchworth Gateway Villages and five Genesee Valley Trail Towns communities are among the recipients of $60,000 worth of grants administered by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) in 2025.
ALBANY, NY – Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), with generous funding provided by the Ralph
C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, announces $61,754 in competitive grants to eight municipalities in
Western New York. These Trail Town Grants support a broader initiative aimed at boosting local
economies by leveraging visitation to nearby public lands. The grants are used to promote
place-making efforts, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and implement
community-driven projects that prioritize active transportation alternatives for cyclists and
pedestrians.
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, "At PTNY, we believe in
the power of trails. Not only do they bring in visitors and boost local economies–they support
healthier communities, enhance outdoor recreation, and improve pedestrian safety. Western
New York is becoming an outdoor recreation destination, and this much-needed funding will
foster adventure for tourists and locals alike."
The grants will enable communities residing along the 90-mile Genesee Valley Greenway and
the western portion of the Empire State Trail to take advantage of visitation to these trails and
other outdoor recreational resources in the area. The Trail Town grants help foster place-making
efforts, encourage safer, more accessible streets for cyclists and pedestrians in Trail Town
communities, and spur investment in new amenities, materials, events, and programs geared
towards outdoor users.
Since 2019, PTNY has supported regional Trail Town programs. A concept that was born along
the Great Allegheny Passage has spread to other parts of the country, including in New York
State. Parks & Trails New York has been able to support a similar initiative in the rural Genesee
Valley region in partnership with the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway, the Office of
State Parks, and Letchworth Gateway Villages. As part of PTNY’s portfolio along the Erie
Canalway Trail, sponsored by the New York State Canal Corporation, this program has
expanded to communities along the 750-mile Empire State Trail, helping municipalities harness
the power of the Empire State Trail to boost local economies. Trail Towns create a robust,
sustainable outdoor economy focused on natural assets and quality of life. Through thisinitiative, participating communities are able to identify and establish a strong community brand
and identity. This foundation helps create a unique and memorable destination appeal, fostering
a sense of place, and attracting visitors who seek authentic experiences that reflect the area's
culture, heritage, and attractions.
The growing popularity of outdoor recreation tourism demands a strategic investment in bicycle
and pedestrian infrastructure and amenities. These Trail Town seed grants can make a big
impact by providing the essential funding needed to enhance trails, support local businesses,
and create vibrant outdoor recreation hubs that attract visitors and strengthen community pride.
2025 awardees include:
● Town of Wheatland ($15,000) for improvements to the 60-acre Indian Allan Park
adjacent to the Genesee Valley Greenway creating access for pedestrians and cyclists
into the parkland’s scenic riparian features of Oatka Creek and pathways through the
open fields.
● Village of Perry ($8,996) for the installation of a bicycle repair station and a water filling
station at the Memorial Park/Main St trailhead.
● RVER (Regional Ventures in Economic Revitalization) Group / Town of Caneadea
($7,115) to install light pole banners on the main road through the town’s three hamlets
and signage at each end of town creating a more unified visitor experience.
● Town of Mount Morris ($7,487) to enhance the visitor experience by adding new
benches on Main Street, installing a water filling station on the Genesee Valley
Greenway, and to attract more visitors to the nearby Powell Park and kayak launch by
installing new signage from the trail.
● Letchworth Gateway Villages ($3,756) to print and distribute brochures and rack cards
to highlight and promote individual Genesee Valley Trail Towns.
● Village of Avon ($3,000) for the installation of a water fill and pet station in the
Erie-Attica trailhead park.
About Parks & Trails New York
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is the state’s leading advocate for public lands. Since 1985,
we’ve been dedicated to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and
enjoyment of green space. With thousands of members and supporters across the state, PTNY
is a leading voice in the protection of New York’s magnificent network of public lands and thecreation and promotion of more than 2,000 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks, and
trails. For more information, visit www.ptny.org.