The Town of Montezuma is completing a grant-funded project from the New York State Office
of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s (OPRHP) Environmental Protection Fund Grant
Program to make improvements to the Montezuma Heritage Park. The project included the
construction of a public parking area and the installation of a restroom facility and informative
kiosk on the north side of the park property near Route 31 and the Seneca River connecting to
eleven nature trails and historic canal sites along the Seneca River.
In celebration of the completion of the project, please join us on Saturday, September 17, 2022,
at 2 PM, to dedicate the parking lot to former Town Supervisor, David Butler, Jr. David served in
the US Marine Corp stationed at Washington, DC as a guard detachment. After his enlistment, he
eventually settled back in his hometown with his wife, Elaine, and three children, Loretta, Linda
and David. As Town Supervisor, he served our town from 1954 to 1965. David successfully
applied for funding on behalf of the Town to acquire 136 acres of parkland through the Outdoor
Recreation Development Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965.
It is because of David’s foresight and understanding of this significant Erie Canal historic
property, we have the park today. Thanks to him and his successor, Byron Lapp Jr., the Town has
been able to receive additional funding from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and
Historic Preservation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. We have devoted the
last twelve years to turning this property into a historically significant recreational nature park
and preserving our proud heritage. Both men were dedicated to serving their country, family, and
community providing leadership while leaving a legacy that lives on today. If they were still with
us today, I’m sure they would be proud to see their vision a reality. With the completion of the
parking lot, visitors traveling the New York State Canalway Trail and Empire State Trail will
now have direct access to the park. Residents and local visitors have a place in nature to explore
and enjoy for generations to come.
The Town will recognize the important partnering organizations, volunteers, and in-kind
donations who without their generosity and dedication would not have made the completion of
the project possible.
Please join us on September 17th!
