NORWICH – Operating a profitable county-owned recreational park became even bleaker last week with the announced resignation of its 12-year veteran manager.

Gaius Cook Park Manager Jason Cannistra told members of the county’s buildings and grounds committee that he would be taking a job with the highway department in the Town of Afton in a few weeks. Acting Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds Brian Aikens said he would immediately begin searching for Cannistra’s replacement. “Jason needs to show people how to shut down the camp for the winter,” he said. The park, which is in the Town of Greene, closes Sept. 30.

Aikens reported to the committee Tuesday, as requested last month, his advertising ideas and suggestions for increasing the park’s rates. The park drew about 250 more day users this year, but the number of campers dropped by 757. Income has dropped from $21,776 in 2004 to $20,181 in 2006.

The proposed plans did not include raising rates, but suggested establishing a walking trail, stocking the pond with fish and creating a beach area for swimming. Brochures and more advertising dollars were also listed. Cannistra said of the park’s 116 acres, only 18 are developed for the campground itself. The pond is 22 acres.