Friends of Greater Two Rivers State Park, Inc., calls on community to get involved

A new organization is forming to help steward Waverly Glen Park and Two Rivers State Park in Waverly, N.Y. Friends of Greater Two Rivers State Park, Inc. is in the process of developing a board and volunteer base to work on projects in both parks. 

According to Rebecca Maffei, director of Tioga County Tourism, the formation of the Friends Group is part of a larger initiative by the Village of Waverly, Tioga County, and New York State to upgrade the parks. 

“The Friends Group is part of a sustainability plan that will help maintain the improvements and investments being put into the park,” said Maffei 

In 2017, the Village received funding from the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation to commission a Master Plan for Waverly Glen Park. Also, in 2017, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation awarded the Village of Waverly funds to implement Phase 1 of the Master Plan, and that work is set to start in the spring of 2018. 

“We are sure the improvements to the park will mean more visitors,” said Maffei, adding, “The Friends Group will be able to help maintain the park, bring in events, and make sure the community has a stake in what happens at the parks.” 

The formation of the Friends of Greater Two Rivers State Park is supported with funding from the New York State Park and Trail Partnership Program and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. The New York State Park and Trail Partnership Program is administered by Parks and Trails New York, in partnership with the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Currently, the Friends Group is sponsored by the Carantouan Greenway, a Land Trust and environmental organization that is a public steward of several outdoor areas and provides educational programming. 

“The Carantouan Greenway has been vital to the development of the Friends of the Park group,” said Maffei. 

She added, “Their knowledge, experience and passion kept us moving forward. We look forward to a continued partnership and to learning more from them.” 

Friends of Greater Two Rivers State Park, Inc. is currently looking for board members and volunteers for upcoming projects. Maffei says they need help in a variety of areas. 

“With everything from administration to event planning, and clearing trails, there is a way for everyone to get involved. All you need is a love of the outdoors and these amazing parks,” concluded Maffei. 

For more information on how to get involved, contact Tioga County Tourism by email to Rebecca@experiencetioga.com, or by calling (607) 687-7440.