Watkins Glen Downtown Revitalization Initiative Projects

LaFayette Park was revitalized to provide a vibrant, functional, and safe community space for both the local community and visitors. Key upgrades included a new 225-square-foot restroom facility with two unisex bathrooms, ADA-compliant drinking fountains, a bulletin board, a storage closet, and a decorative exterior matching the existing bandstand pavilion. A 300-foot water line was also installed to support the facility, along with new sidewalk connections to integrate it into the park.

Other improvements included a new 30-year asphalt shingle roof for the bandstand, decorative LED lighting throughout the park, and repairs to playground climbing equipment using customized wood replacements. To enhance safety, approved play surface material was added around the playground.

These upgrades have transformed LaFayette Park into a welcoming, year-round destination for recreation and community gatherings.

The project faced several challenges that required creative solutions, such as an undersized existing water line, which was resolved with the installation of a new 300-foot water line to support service to the restrooms.

In addition, the playground remained accessible during construction, with repairs and improvements completed while maintaining public use. Safety fencing was used to define work areas, minimizing disruptions while keeping the park open.

To enhance navigation and create a welcoming atmosphere, masonry gateway and wayfinding signs were installed at four major access points into Watkins Glen. These structures feature decorative LED lettering and graphics, serving as a visual introduction to the Village and its renowned attractions.

The gateway masonry matches the bluestone in Watkins Glen State Park, and decorative metal boat sails were incorporated to maintain a consistent aesthetic theme throughout the Village.

The central gateway also includes a decorative “Home of Watkins Glen International” sign, celebrating the iconic racetrack.

The proposed redesign of East 4th Street aimed to reconfigure the existing roadway with modified travel lanes, bicycle lanes, on-street parking, pedestrian facilities, pedestrian-activated crossings, and streetscape enhancements. However, rising material and labor costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the project from moving forward. Funds allocated for this effort were redirected to support the LaFayette Park upgrades and gateway signage, ensuring the successful completion of these vital projects.

Community engagement was key to the success of both projects. Early outreach by the Village, County Planning Department, and advisory groups allowed residents to help prioritize funding for park enhancements and signage. Once construction began, biweekly meetings kept stakeholders informed about progress, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines. To minimize disruptions, the contractor and Village coordinated work around major events such as the Watkins Glen NASCAR race and the Corvette Festival, strengthening community relations.