Colorful, Creative Shots from County Parks Showcase Beauty of 10,000-Acre System

Winning Entry Comes from Akron Falls Park, Will be Used on Parks Department's Social Media

ERIE COUNTY, NY—The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry has announced the winners of the 2015 “Fall for EC Parks” Fall Foliage Photo contest, which began on October 1 and encouraged residents to grab their cameras and head for the Erie County park of their choosing to capture images of vibrant fall foliage, serene park scenes, or other seasonal natural beauty throughout the 10,000-acre Parks system. The contest, which concluded on October 21, drew submissions from residents and parks around the county and revealed images of unparalleled beauty right here in Erie County parks.

“The Fall Foliage photo contest gave residents a great chance to enjoy some time in our parks while pursuing a unique, seasonal shot to enter in the competition, and we were treated to some beautiful images throughout the contest,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “The natural beauty of our Parks system is available every day, all year round to residents and it came into sharper focus thanks to the many entries we had for this contest. I would like to congratulate the winners and thank all who participated, as well as our Parks Department for their work in coordinating the contest.”

Submitted entries were judged by Parks Department personnel, with prizes awarded for the top three photos. The first-place photo, taken by John Witt at Akron Falls Park, will be used as the cover photo on the Parks’ Department Facebook and Twitter pages and Mr. Witt will receive a voucher for a shelter rental at any Erie County Park (up to $120). The second-place photo, taken by Glenn McLaughlin at Eighteen Mile Creek Park, wins a voucher for a shelter rental at any Erie County Park (up to $70), while the third-place photo was taken by Drew Cortelluci at Chestnut Ridge Park and wins a half-gallon of 100% pure maple syrup from the Erie County forest.

All of the entries in the 2015 Fall for EC Parks Fall Foliage Photo Contest can be viewed here.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry visit http://www2.erie.gov/parks/