New infrastructure enhancements will allow Otisville 4-H Park to operate year-round and expand programming and educational opportunities available to the community
OTISVILLE, NY – As Otisville families enjoyed the annual Country Fair at the Otisville 4-H Park, Congressman Pat Ryan delivered $1,000,000 in federal funds to expand the Park and enhance its infrastructure for year-round use. The funds will help the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County (CCEOC) to construct a new livestock barn and a camping area for scout and youth groups, install new lighting and paving, winterize core infrastructure, and extend water and electric hookups at the Park. Currently, the infrastructure at the Park limits it to seasonal and daytime use only. The new infrastructure and additional operating capacity will allow the CCEOC to increase its educational programming, community events, and youth opportunities that it offers at the 4-H Park.
“The Otisville 4-H Park is a staple in the lives of Orange County families – it’s where we celebrate and appreciate the tremendous contributions of our farmers and agricultural community, strengthen connections with friends and neighbors, and teach and empower our young people to pursue their passion for farming and livestock,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I’m proud that this funding will help the Cornell Cooperative Extension expand the Park so that more of these critical and formative opportunities for our kids and families can happen year-round. Every day, I’ll keep working to deliver the resources that profoundly deserving and innovative initiatives like these need to enrich the lives of Hudson Valley families.”
The project funded by the $1,000,000 secured by Congressman Ryan includes winterizing a barn, installing lights on the outdoor arena, adding street lights throughout the Park, extending water and electric hookups, construction of a livestock barn and development of a camping area for 4-H’ers, Scouts, and other youth groups. Currently, the 4-H Park is primarily used seasonally and in the daytime. The benefits of the requested infrastructure improvements will increase the number of activities and types of activities exponentially. These activities can be supported and can extend operations into the evening and nighttime use year-round.
