Verona Beach State Park

History

Prior to being purchased by New York State in the 1940s, much of the area that would become the park was a privately owned tract known as Nabor's Grove. Many large trees were preserved under private ownership, contributing to the mature forest that is found on much of the park's property today.

In 1944, the New York State Council of Parks approved the initial acquisition of land for Verona Beach State Park. By 1962, 59 lots comprising 1355 acre had been purchased at a cost of $276,300. The final acres, purchased in 1969–70, increased the park's size to 1735 acre for a total cost of $288,888 or roughly $166 per acre.

The park is operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (Central Region).

Facilities

The park, set on 1735 acre along the eastern shore of Oneida Lake and featuring a diverse wetland habitat, offers facilities for a variety of outdoor activities.

The park offers a 3/4 mile long supervised beach, bathhouse, concession stand, an enclosed picnic pavilion and three picnic shelters, 46 campsites with a recreation building, and numerous picnic sites. There are 4 mi of nature trails for hiking and 8 mi of horseback and mountain bike trails which become cross-country ski and snowmobile trails during the winter. Hunting for deer, small game, and waterfowl is also permitted, as is fishing and ice fishing.

In 2013, $4.3 million in improvements were announced for Verona Beach State Park, including a new bathhouse, a new food concession, an enclosed picnic pavilion, three picnic shelters to replace the park's temporary rental tents, and a reconstructed parking area.

The park has about 35 seasonal employees. It is open for daily use through Labor Day, after which the beach is closed, although the campgrounds are open through Columbus Day in October and hiking trails remain open year-round. Daily use fee is $7 per car. The beach is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily during the summer months.

References

References

1. "Verona Beach State Park". NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.
2. (2014). "2014 New York State Statistical Yearbook". The Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government.
3. (1975). "Fifty Years: New York State Parks, 1924-1974". Natural Heritage Trust.
4. "State Park Annual Attendance Figures by Facility: Beginning 2003".
5. "Campground Details - Verona Beach State Park, NY - New York State Parks".
6. (2010). "Explorer's Guide: 50 Hikes in Central New York's Leatherstocking Country". The Countryman Press.
7. Campbell, Ned. (June 7, 2013). "$4.3M makeover planned for Verona Beach State Park". Utica Observer-Dispatch.
8. "Verona Beach State Park Hours of Operation". NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.