Archive: Around Town

Joined by TCAT Acting General Manager Alice Eccleston and other dignitaries, Commissioner Rose Harvey, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in a ceremony today welcomed children and families to Taughannock Falls State Park's free Learn-to-Swim program for youth.

In the ceremony, which was held on the scenic Taughannock State Park beach where the park's first swimming class of the summer was underway, the commissioner praised TCAT for providing its expanded Route 22 summer service. For the second year in a row, Route 22 not only travels to Taughannock, but to Buttermilk Falls and Robert Treman state parks, as well as other area parks to encourage park visitation and youth participation in summer programs, such as the free Learn-to-Swim program.  Anyone enrolled in the Learn-to-Swim program at Taughannock and their guardians who are in need of transportation can obtain a free TCAT pass.

Noting the importance of children developing healthy habits by being active outdoors at an early age, Harvey praised TCAT for expanding its service and offering free bus passes for the Learn to Swim program. As opposed to children hanging out in malls or remaining indoors attached to their cell phones, she said "no child will be left inside in our parks."

"We are thrilled to be able to offer this service to allow everyone, particularly people without cars and with no other means of transportation; a chance to visit their beautiful start parks on both sides of the county," Eccleston said. "The expansion of route 22 last year was very successful and we are very proud to continue providing this level of transportation services to our parks and recreation areas again this year and in years ahead with the potential of expanding it even beyond the summer season."

Working with NY State Parks Finger Lakes Regional Director Fred Bonn and his team, TCAT's Service Development Manager Doug Swarts, TCAT's Service Analyst Matt Yarrow and, with the help of TCAT's Operations team, last year expanded the Route 22 to enable all Tompkins County residents travel to more of the area's beautiful parks seven days a week instead of just weekdays. This year, Route 22 weekend service began Sun., May 17 and will end on Sun., Sept. 6. Weekday service began on Mon., June 22, and will end on Friday, Aug. 21.

The second swimming class at Taughannock will be held at the beach from Mon., July 20 through Friday, July 31. The last day to register is July 17 by calling the Taughannock State Park office at (607) 387-6739. All children must be accompanied by a guardian.  TCAT's Customer Service Department will supply passes to the parks office if needed.

"The free "Learn-to-Swim" is so vitally important to teach our children how to swim and enjoy time at the beach," Eccleston said. "I myself took Red Cross swimming lessons as a child and I can tell you it was a great experience and the skills learned are valuable;  learning how to swim and be safe in the water. "It is a skill that stays with us through the rest of our lives.  We want our children to enjoy our waterways and be safe doing so."

In closing, Eccleston issued an enthusiastic challenge to those gathered at the ceremony: "So leave your cars home, take the bus, go to the parks and enjoy the day!"

Meantime, today Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced in a press release that New York State will provide free "Learn-to-Swim" programs to 1,000 additional children this summer at State Parks across New York. The program is offered through a partnership along with state's parks department; the American Red Cross; the National Swimming Pool Foundation; the Northeast Spa and Pool Association Foundation and the New York State Department of Health. In addition to Taughannock State Park, lessons are being offered at 14 other state parks, including Cayuga State Park.

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