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DeWitt Recreation Area

Photo: DeWitt sunrise

By Howard B. Owens

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Guy Clark, owner of Cedar Street Sales and Rental, shared this photo from earlier this week of a sunrise over DeWitt Recreation Area.

19th annual Earth Day Celebration at DeWitt Recreation Area is April 20

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Earth Day is your chance to give back to your community and take care of the Earth! Join us at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia for the 19th annual Earth Day Celebration and help with park cleanup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 20.

Let's celebrate Earth Day early (it's actually Monday, April 22) and help keep the park beautiful and the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife.

Leanr to make cool things from recycled materials and enjoy a naturalist-guided hike to discover the natural wonders in the park.

Enjot wild ganes, free fun and more.

Service groups, students, 4-H'ers and Scouts can earn community service hours and meet badge requirements.

Don't miss a special presentation by theBuffalo Zoomobile from 2 to 3 p.m., weather permitting!

Special thanks to the Genesee Finger Lakes Cahpter of the Air & Waste Management Association for their generous support of this Earth Day celebration.

Meet at Pavilion 2 for all activities. DeWitt Recreation Area is located at 115 Cedar St. in the City of Batavia.

This event and all activities are free and open to all. Please preregister for activities by calling (585) 344-1122.

Here's the day's schedule of activities:

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Park Cleanup Projects
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Recycled Crafts
  • 12 to 1 p.m. -- Wild Planet Games
  • 1 to 2 p.m. -- Wild Planet Guided Hike
  • 2 to 3 p.m. (weather permitting) -- Special Guest: World Safari by the Buffalo Zoomobile -- Meet fascinating animals from all different places on planet Earth!

Photo: Sunrise at DeWitt

By Howard B. Owens

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John Michaels took this picture at DeWitt Recreation Area yesterday morning.

RESCHEDULED: Guided kayaking tour of DeWitt Pond is July 21, must register by July 14

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Seize the day with a guided kayak tour of DeWitt Pond on Saturday, July 21st! It is rescheduled to Aug. 10 due to inclement weather. Pregister on or before Aug. 8 by calling 584-344-1122.

Explore the pond by water and discover a new world.

Session 1 takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Session 2 takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet at the boat launch at DeWitt Recreation Area off Cedar Street in Batavia.

No experience needed, a beginner kayaking lesson is provided!

Rent a kayak or bring your own. Kayak rentals with life vests are provided by Adventures in Fitness Inc. Solo kayak rentals are available for ages 12 and up, tandem kayak rentals are available for kids under 12 and must be piloted by an adult.

Guided tour fee is $20/person without rental or $25/person with kayak rental per session. Fee for children under 12 is $10 per session. Pre-registration is required by Saturday July 14th, call 344-1122!

For more information visit the website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

To learn more about the 38-acre pond, a former sand and gravel quarry donated to the county in 1992, click here.

A total of 44 children took part in Saturday's Kendra Haacke Memorial Fishing Derby at DeWitt

By Billie Owens

Above photo: Derby winners Chloe Lutrell, age 8, who caught a 13” bass, and Jose Vanegas, age 16, who caught a 9 1⁄4” sunfish.

Submitted photos and press release:

Free Fishing Day and the Kendra Haacke Memorial Fishing Derby took place at DeWitt Recreation Area on Saturday, June 23rd.

A total of 44 kids ages 16 and under participated in the fishing derby, catching a variety of panfish and bass.

Prizes were awarded for the largest fish caught each by a boy and a girl.

This was the fifth annual Kendra Haacke Memorial Fishing Derby held at DeWitt Recreation Area. Each year the derby is sponsored by the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club.

Friendly fishing guides were on hand to assist newbies with baiting a hook and learning how to fish. This event was the result of collaboration between Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry, the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club, and ACORNS.

Fishing tackle and bait were provided by a generous donation from Smith’s Great Outdoors, formerly Hunters Landing. Fishing poles were provided through a grant awarded by Cabela’s of Cheektowaga.

As part of the NYSDEC’s Free Fishing Weekend, no fishing license was required to participate.

Families from 10 local cities and towns including Rochester and Lancaster, joined in the free outdoor fun.

All participants received fishing tackle prizes, while each derby winner took home a new rod and reel and tackle box.

Derby winners: Chloe Lutrell, age 8, who caught a 13” bass; and Jose Vanegas, age 16, who caught a 9 1⁄4” sunfish.

Special thanks to the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club, ACORNS, Cabela’s, and Smith’s Great Outdoors for making this event possible!

It's NY's Free Fishing Weekend -- try out kids' fishing derby at DeWitt

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Parks along with the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club and try out fishing at DeWitt Recreation Area today, June 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Perfect for beginners!

Program meets at Pavilion 3. DeWitt is located on Cedar Street, Batavia. Friendly guides will be on hand to assist you.

No fishing license required, this is part of NYSDEC’s Free Fishing Weekend!

Fishing tackle and bait provided by Smith’s Great Outdoors, formerly known as Hunters Landing. Fishing poles provided by Cabela’s of Cheektowaga or bring your own.

Kids up to age 16 can join the fun and get the chance to win a prize with the Kendra Haacke Memorial Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club!

Fishing Derby takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This program is FREE! Call 585-344-1122 register or walk-ins also welcome! See you there!

Grass fire reported at DeWitt park

By Howard B. Owens

A grass fire is reported at DeWitt Recreation Area on the north side of the pond.

Access would be behind WNY Concrete.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m.: A dispatcher got WNY Concrete on the phone and confirmed it is behind their building but they don't know if the fire department can get to the location from behind their building.

UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: City crew on scene at WNY Concrete confirms there's no good access from that location.

UPDATE 1:07 p.m.: Best entrance, a crew member reports, probably behind Upson Maybach.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: There are several small fires. Firefighters are extinguishing with water cans now.

UPDATE (By Billie) 1:43 p.m.: They ended up using a tanker to put out the fire. The assignment is back in service. Parks personnel on at the scene.

Photos: Earth Day at DeWitt Recreation Area

By Howard B. Owens

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The County's Parks Department hosted an annual Earth Day event at DeWitt Recreation area, which included events for children, a nature walk, park cleanup, and of course, plenty of people showed up to fish.

The lake is at near record-high levels, which is quite a turn around from about a year ago when you could walk on dry land out to the island.

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Reminder: Earth Day Celebration at DeWitt, Night Hike at county Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Earth Day Celebration at DeWitt on Saturday

Earth Day is your chance to take care of your planet and your wild neighbors! Join us at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia for our “Earth Day Celebration” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st.

Help clean up the park to keep the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife! Learn to make cool stuff from recycled materials. Enjoy wild games and a naturalist-guided hike to see where animals live and discover what good things you can do for them!

Scouts can earn badge requirements and service hours! Help keep the community ecologically healthy and undeniably beautiful! Meet at Pavilion 2 for all activities. Celebration is FREE and open to the public.

Please preregister for activities by calling 585-344-1122!

Earth Day Night Hike at Genesee County Park & Forest

Celebrate the magic of spring with our Earth Day Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st!

Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center and explore the forest by moonlight as we search for animals, hear nature folklore and listen to the wild chorus of the night. Visit the headwaters of Black Creek and find out why April’s moon is called the Fish Moon.

Create a memory this Earth Day! Cost is $5/person, $10/family. All ages welcome. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to register!

For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Photos: Skating under the lights at DeWitt

By Howard B. Owens

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About a dozen kids showed up over the course of the evening for skating under the lights at DeWitt Recreation Area last night. The Batavia Kiwanis Club served free hot cocoa.

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Ice rink at DeWitt open today, evening skate with free hot cocoa planned

By Howard B. Owens

It is once again cold enough to open the outdoor skate rink at DeWitt Recreation Area.

County Parks Director Paul Osborn said the rink will be open all day until 7:30 p.m.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia is hosting the evening skate and will serve free hot cocoa this evening.

Photo: Night skating at DeWitt Recreation Area

By Howard B. Owens

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On Friday nights, the lights are on for outdoor skating at DeWitt Recreation Area, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

This coming Friday, Kiwanis members will be serving hot cocoa from Tim Hortons to skaters who show up between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Above, Kiwanis member Peter Guppenberger.

Ice skating hours at DeWitt extended on Fridays beginning Dec. 29 until mid-March

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry has partnered with the Batavia Kiwanis Club to extend hours for ice skating on Fridays at the DeWitt Recreation Area! The hours will be extended till 7:30 p.m. beginning Dec. 29 until mid-March.

A true community effort continues to make it all happen with the City of Batavia Fire Department initially filling the rink with water, the Town of Oakfield Highway Department providing outdoor lighting, and Cedar Street Rentals assisting with keeping the ice surface clear of snow. Use of the rink is FREE and available at posted times.

DeWitt Recreation Area is located at 115 Cedar St. in Batavia. The outdoor rink is not monitored by staff during posted hours nor are skates provided. Skate at your own risk.

This beautiful community skating area is constructed and maintained by volunteers and staff, so we ask for your help in keeping it safe and clean for all to enjoy. Please stay off the ice on warm days and respect the “closed for maintenance” signs. Keeping off the ice when it is warm will ensure a quick reopening of the rink when the weather turns cold again!

See the parks website here for full rules and details.

Rink Hours:

Public Skate:
(Sticks and pucks are prohibited on the ice during public skate.)

  • Monday, Wednesday, Saturday -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Thursday -- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Friday (beginning Dec. 29) -- 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Stick & Puck:

Tuesday, Thursday 2 to 4 p.m.​ (No figure skating during Stick & Puck time.)

For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

'Capturing Nature' photography program at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Come experience the grandeur and beauty of nature like never before with our “Capturing Nature” program! Join us for Capturing Nature at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 8th.

Learn nature photography tricks of the trade and explore DeWitt Recreation Area with a naturalist guide.

Meet at Pavilion 1. Bring your camera or phone and create awesome art from the view right under your nose!

Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Pre-registration is recommended. Call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot!

DeWitt is located at 115 Cedar St.

Geocaching fun set for Saturday morning at DeWitt Recreation Area, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Get out and try a hi-tech scavenger hunt! Join us for Geocaching at DeWitt Recreation Area from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 10th.

Create a personal alias or team name to let others know you were here. Sign up as a group or by yourself. Never geocached before? No problem! No prior geocaching experience is necessary. A tutorial will be provided, along with GPS units.

Dress for the weather and be ready for adventure.You never know what you’ll find in a geocache. Meet at Pavilion #2 at DeWitt Recreation Area, location at 115 Cedar St. in Batavia.

Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required. Call 585-344-1122 to register and reserve your spot.

For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

County will build bridge through wetlands at DeWitt for Ellicott Trail

By Howard B. Owens

Plans continue to move forward for construction of the Ellicott Trail, a 4.6-mile, east-west pedestrian and bicycle path through the Town of Batavia and around and in the City, connecting parks and other points of interest.

Yesterday, the County's Public Service Committee recommended approval of an inter-municipal agreement between the Town and the County to construct the portion of the path through DeWitt Recreation Area, with a bridge over some wetlands.

The path will pass north of the lake and come out at Route 5 near the Tractor Supply store.

The bridge would be made of aluminum, said Highway Superintendent Tim Hens.

"We wanted to avoid pressure-treated timber because when it gets wet it gets slimy and slippery," Hens said.

The bridge cost is $85,000 plus $30,000 in in-kind county labor expense, which will assist the Town of Batavia in meeting matching funds requirements for grants.

The funds will come from capital reserves already set aside for improvements to the park.

"It's a pretty sharp bridge," Hens said.

The total Ellicott Trail project is expected to cost $1.7 million, and 80 percent of the cost will be covered by a state grant.

For prior coverage of the Ellicott Trail, click here.

Photos: Earth Day at DeWitt Recreation Area

By Howard B. Owens

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Volunteers of all ages came out to DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia today -- Earth Day -- to help clean the park and participate in various learning activities.

One of the activities was an "emerald ash borer game," where several children were emerald ash borers, two were volunteers and one was a park ranger. The emerald ash borers had 10 seconds to lay their eggs in as many ash trees in a wooded area (represented by small, green disks). Then volunteers would identify infected trees and the park ranger would come along and replace the ash trees with another kind of tree. The game illustrated how much faster an infestation can spread than forest rangers can act to do anything about it.

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Outdoor hockey at DeWitt

By Howard B. Owens

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Conditions were just right this afternoon for a group of young hockey players to get some practice time in at the outdoor skating rink at DeWitt Recreation Area.

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County's new outdoor ice skating rink has ice

By Howard B. Owens

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Tim Hens clears snow from the new outdoor ice skating rink at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia and he said the rink should open today, but if not today, tomorrow.

The rink was made possible when the Town of Oakfield donated it to the county for use in DeWitt.

Most days while there is ice will be open skating, Hens said, but he anticipates having puck and stick days (no hockey games, and there are no nets) on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Staff from Cedar Street Sales and Rentals are helping maintain the rink during the winter.

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