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Residents Invited to Participate in Discussion on Recreation in Clinton County


Bicycling along the Saranac River Trail, hiking in the Adirondack Mountains, canoeing the Saranac River and kayaking on Lake Champlain are just a few of the recreational opportunities Clinton County residents can undertake almost any day. The impact these recreational activities and others can have on the future of Clinton County will be the focus of the second community discussion sponsored by the Partnership for Community Development.

The discussion will take place in the Frances and Hyman Krinovitz Recital Hall in Hawkins Hall at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 19. At that time, the Recreation Task Force will present a community report on recreational activities in Clinton County.

Jerie Reid, director of public health, Clinton County Health Department, will discuss how recreation is an important ingredient in creating a healthier community. Molly Flynn (Clinton County Recreation Department), Melanie Defayette (Town of Plattsburgh Recreation Department) and Steve Peters (Plattsburgh City Recreation Department) will provide overviews of the current recreational programs.

Alissa Momot, a graduate of Beekmantown High School and a freshman on the University of Hartford women’s soccer team, will talk about what recreation activities can mean for local youth. Local businessman and sports enthusiast Neil Fesette will speak about centralized coordination of recreational opportunities in the region.

This event is open to the public.

The public is also encouraged to participate in a special live edition of Mountain Lake Journal on Mountain Lake PBS Thursday, April 26, at 8 p.m. The live call-in show will continue the discussion on the impact these recreational activities and others will have on the future of Clinton County and its residents.

“While businesses looking to grow their operations seek adequate facilities, transportation and an excellent workforce, they are also seeking a great quality of life for their current and future employees and families,” said Luke Cyphers, coordinator of the Vision2Action Recreation Task Force. “Clinton County is one of the most beautiful areas in the country to enjoy the outdoors, and people are discovering this.”

Bob Smith, chair of the Partnership for Community Development and president of Nine Platt Hospitality Group, said people are being encouraged to get out more and exercise. He pointed to the Saranac River Trail and the upcoming Plattsburgh Half Marathon on Sunday, April 22, as recent initiatives drawing attention to efforts that can make Clinton County a healthier community.

“We see an opportunity to support the efforts of the Health Department and CVPH Medical Center,” said Smith. “The positive things that are occurring will make this a vibrant community where families can thrive.”

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