Master Plan

[Dave McCarthy]

Did anyone attend the Master Plan hearing in New Paltz on October 22? The plan itself is an interesting read. http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/inside- ... ments.aspx The building inventory was particularly noteworthy. It looks like the Phillips house will finally become a park office and visitors center, and the stable will be renovated as well. (Sam, you get cited as a source for the history of the stable.) The plan has a schematic as to how the interior of the Phillips house will be reconfigured. The music hut, the old park office and the adjacent residence are proposed to be demolished. The cabins at Awosting are also candidates for demolition; I don't really know those buildings--never made it to that side of the lake.

[Ridge70]

Yes, I went. I was actually filming it in the back of the room. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, I only got the first hour or so. Nonetheless, it was interesting to hear everyone's inputs. I read the master plan too but haven't memorized every detail. There's quite a bit to it. I really am just interested in what trails will be opened up etc. Am excited about the southeast hike around Mud Pond, for one. It's so much more of an interesting view.

I wish they would save those cabins around Awosting. I'm no inspector but they look like they could be rehabbed or something. Make it a visitors center for that part of the park. Have pics and info about the old camp Awosting and such.

Maybe this is in the plan too but I missed it...I recall back at the Awosting Reserve press conference (March 2006 when it was officially added to Minn) that there were cabins in the reserve that they though could be rented out or something. Where are these cabins? I've hiked through there (not all of it though - just the main road off Aumick up to Spruce Glenn) and have seen no dwellings of any sort.

And, I completely agree about the swimming issues that were brought up about both lakes. Swimming there is ridiculous. Still baffles me that I can walk along the cliffs and easily could fall to my death, but can't go in the water where I want.

[Old Girl Scout]

I was at the master plan meeting. I agree with Ridge 70 that the cabin near Awosting should not be demolished. The cabin on the loop around Awosting is small (not a big job to refurbish) and has an inviting front porch facing the lake. It doesn't look bad at all. I don't see why it should go... maybe because it would be one less thing to be taken care of.

I'm glad they're going to reopen the old, original trail on east side of Mud Pond. That's where I hiked. It's the most sensible way to go, and it's beautiful.

It was good to see so many folks at the meeting who care about what happens to Minnewaska. If I had known it was you in the back, Ridge 70, I'd have stopped to say hello.

[Old Girl Scout]

PS I agree about swimming restrictions, but meanwhile, I suggest joining Minnewaska Distance Swimmers Assoc., of which I am a charter member. We swim freely at the far end of the lake. As is often said in advertisements, "Some restrictions apply". Nonetheless, it's a wonderful alternative to the cramped kiddie pen on the shadowy side of the lake.

[Ridge70]

I was at the master plan meeting. I agree with Ridge 70 that the cabin near Awosting should not be demolished. The cabin on the loop around Awosting is small (not a big job to refurbish) and has an inviting front porch facing the lake. It doesn't look bad at all. I don't see why it should go... maybe because it would be one less thing to be taken care of.

I'm glad they're going to reopen the old, original trail on east side of Mud Pond. That's where I hiked. It's the most sensible way to go, and it's beautiful.

It was good to see so many folks at the meeting who care about what happens to Minnewaska. If I had known it was you in the back, Ridge 70, I'd have stopped to say hello.

There's another cabin further back from the lake on the old smiley carriageway (i think that's the name of it). That one is larger. I wonder if that's the one they could be talking about? Anyway, yes, lots of people at the meeting. Will there be a follow-up meeting?

PS I agree about swimming restrictions, but meanwhile, I suggest joining Minnewaska Distance Swimmers Assoc., of which I am a charter member. We swim freely at the far end of the lake. As is often said in advertisements, "Some restrictions apply". Nonetheless, it's a wonderful alternative to the cramped kiddie pen on the shadowy side of the lake.

The distance swimmers area is fine but it's a bit mechanical. I mean, yes, wonderful to get some swimming in. But if you're not swimming then what else is there? Guess I'm looking for a situation where you could just hang out all day and wade in the water and not necessarily swim. Sort of like the beach...only, not at the beach.

[Guest]

"But if you're not swimming then what else is there?"

Here's an excellent answer to your question: "...you could just hang out all day and wade in the water and not necessarily swim. Sort of like the beach...only, not at the beach."

In fact, it is the original beach. In 1975 there were abandoned changing rooms there with many names and old dates carved in the walls. You can still see remains of a stone dock. It's the sunny side of the lake and is a beautiful area. However, you must be an MDSA member to go in the water, and there must be another member present. Membership requires taking a swim test, and $15 per year for insurance. A life preserver must be taken out of its combination-lock box. You have to clip your ID card to a board before you go in. This may sound like a lot of rules, but the buddy system is common sense. The regulations are reasonable. A big improvement over "NO SWIMMING" !

[hcir]

Hopefully we can hold onto historic buildings. It is too late for many sites which would be treasured today.