Chenango Greenway to Purchase Norwich Stone Quarry
The Chenango Greenway Conservancy announces the purchase of the Stone Quarry property on West Hill!
The Stone Quarry property has long been a popular outdoor recreation destination for residents around Norwich as well as an important aesthetic resource that provides a scenic backdrop to the City of Norwich and a spectacular view of the City from the quarry face. The Guinn and Quincy family have owned the property for many years and allowed it to be used for recreation on an informal basis. Now, the Chenango Greenway Conservancy has an agreement in place to purchase the property to ensure that it remains open for public recreation for future generations. Priscilla Nicotra, daughter of the late Anna Mae Quincy said, “the Guinn/Quincy families have always enjoyed the beauty of this land and we are hopeful that someday in the near future this property will be considered a public park for all to enjoy.”
The Chenango Greenway Conservancy is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) public charity organized in 2006 to develop a network of multiple use recreation trails in and around the City of Norwich. Together with the City of Norwich, the Norwich City School District, and other partners, the Greenway has created nearly 8 miles of hiking and biking trails along the Chenango River. The Greenway is working on an expansion of the its trail system to a new property north of the City as well as the Stone Quarry on West Hill.
“The conservation of the Stone Quarry property with improved public access will be a tremendous asset for our community,” said Sharon Pelosi, Chairperson of the Chenango Greenway Conservancy. The group hopes the quarry face will become a frequent destination for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the incredible view. Interpretive features highlighting the former quarry operation are planned and will illustrate the important role this property played in the growth of Norwich.
The Greenway Conservancy needs help from the community to raise sufficient funds to purchase and improve access to the Stone Quarry property. To learn more about the Stone Quarry and join in the effort to purchase the property, visit the Greenway website, chenangogreenway.org or their Facebook page and follow the progress of this important community project.
The Stone Quarry is easily accessible from downtown Norwich and connects to several large forested properties on West Hill with nearly 20 miles of multiple use trails. Visitors enjoy many long-standing hiking trails, unique stone features, and many miles of new bike trails created by mountain biking enthusiasts. These trails now attract mountain bikers from nearby communities and with proper oversight will become a regional destination that will boost the local economy.
Audrey Robinson, Tourism Director for Chenango County, said, “It is with pleasure that Commerce Chenango Tourism supports the Greenway Conservancy Quarry Project. The quarry property will form the centerpiece of a community forest and recreational area open to the public that will encourage hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other safe outdoor activities. As the Chenango County TPA, I firmly believe that under the leadership of the Greenway, creating a place that highlights outdoor recreation in NYS, and increasing the economic vitality of tourism in Chenango County, is foremost in their project plans.”
According to Isaiah Sutton, Chenango County Director of Environmental Health and Code Enforcement, “the evidence supporting greenscape preservation and outdoor recreation development as public health interventions is irrefutable. Increased open spaces and exercise opportunities have proven to directly improve a community’s physical and behavioral health.”
Chenango County Deputy Historian, John Antonowicz, said, "The Stone Quarry is more than a place - it’s a symbol of hope for our community. It's where immigrants made a living in order to build homes and raise families in this region. A great deal of their craftsmanship served as a foundation for our town and surrounding areas for many generations."
Jessica Moquin, Chenango County Historical Society Executive Director, said, "The Chenango County Historical Society looks forward to this future collaboration with great anticipation. The Stone Quarry operations of the Norwich Bluestone Company, followed by Clarke, Conroy & Company, have great cultural significance to our local heritage. The opportunity to share the stories of how this local landmark impacted our region is very exciting!"