As many families begin to enjoy summer, I wanted to remind you to take advantage of the Erie County’s parks system and the many recreational activities offered.

The parks are very busy this time of year. Chestnut Ridge Park, home to the eternal flame, has disc golf, trails, paths for running and biking, and several tennis courts, which were repaired. There are several other parks that offer enjoyable entertainment: Sprague Brook Park has great camping, golf at Elma Meadows and Grover Cleveland, and Bennett Beach provides easy access to Lake Erie. It is important to note that this year the county has prohibited swimming at Wendt Beach. For your safety, please do not swim at this beach.

For additional information about the parks, please visit the county’s website at www.erie.gov/parks to learn more about what amenities each park has to offer this summer. Through the website you can also submit an electronic camping or shelter reservation application. For additional information or for campsite availability, please contact Erie County Parks at erie_county_parks@erie.gov or call 858-8355.

You can also follow parks updates on Twitter, @ErieCountyParks, and Facebook, “Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry,” for information about beach closures and other announcements.

An exciting event is happening this weekend, Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6, at one of our parks facilities. The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, in conjunction with Western New York Section PGA, are presenting the 2014 Erie County Amateur Championships at the Grover Cleveland Golf Course. I want to wish all the competitors the best of luck.  

When visiting the parks this summer you may notice maintenance work being done on shelters, comfort stations, pathways or other areas. If you have any questions or concerns about a park, please contact my office at 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov.   

Also, I want to thank everyone who has attended the Hot Dog Roast Library Fundraisers. We are on pace to surpass last year’s total, so thank you everyone for the support. There are still several fundraisers left, please mark the following dates on your calendar: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 10 at the Concord Public Library; 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 16 at the Eden Library; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at the Town of Collins Public Library; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, August 9 at the West Falls – Colden Library; and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, August 15 at the Orchard Park Public Library.

I would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy Fourth of July weekend. Communities throughout Erie County have planned parades, festivals and other activities to mark the celebration. List of fireworks displays are also readily available through local media websites. If you are traveling, please be safe.