GREENE – Douglas Crowley from Rome has been named manager of Cook Park, according to Chenango County Planning and Economic Development Committee Chairwoman Linda E. Natoli, R-City of Norwich.
The position had been vacant since last fall.
The recreational park, located in Greene, opened for the season May 14.
Crowley will assume general maintenance duties with the county’s Agriculture, Buildings and Grounds Department in the off season. He holds a degree in forestry and formerly worked at Vernon Downs Raceway and Turning Stone Casino in Verona.
In making the announcement before her committee, Natoli requested that more information about the park be made accessible via Commerce Chenango’s website.
“It’s too hard to find information about our park,” she said. “I’ve been reading that reservations at state parks are up this year because of high fuel prices. We need to hurry up and have seasonal rates, phone numbers and a map put on the Chamber’s web site.”
Assistant Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds Brian Aikins reported an above average occupancy rate at Cook Park campsites over the Memorial Day weekend, and said seasonal reservations were up as well.
The committee also agreed to apply $16,500 from a set aside pool of economic development funds for a capital improvement project at the park. The amount includes a stipend of $1,500 to Youth Board Director Kathy Clemens, who will coordinate the project.
The county’s Finance Committee agreed to the funding proposal for Cook Park on Thursday. Only the Town of Pharsalia Supervisor voted against it.
“I don’t see us in the recreational business nor will the park ever be self-sufficient,” Democrat Dennis Brown said.
The full board of supervisors will vote on the resolution next month.
Town of Greene Supervisor Jack Cook said unlike Chenango County, neighboring counties “have millions budgeted for parks.” He suggested that the county apply for grants to make the necessary improvements.