Fairy Springs Park in Cooperstown is set to undergo significant upgrades to improve accessibility and visitor experience.
Plans include adding ADA-compliant pathways, installing a ramp and deck off the historic pavilion for better lake views and creating accessible parking and restrooms. The $250,000 project is expected to begin in the fall of 2026.
About 25 residents gathered on Wednesday, March 19 to hear a presentation on the future of the park from Friends of the Parks Chair Susie Knight and past president Thomas Hohensee. The meeting, held at Village Hall, provided an overview of planned upgrades to improve accessibility and enhance the park’s overall experience.
Fairy Springs Park sits on five acres of pristine land overlooking Otsego Lake on the east side of county Route 31. An additional 27 acres of undeveloped parkland sit across the street.
Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh described Fairy Springs Park as “very beloved and our largest park.”
Knight called Fairy Springs Park “a local gem” during her presentation.
“It is a magical place,” Knight said. “I’ve been going there since I was 12. I even served as the caretaker when I was 23.”
The lakefront section of the park features three rustic wood buildings: a historic pavilion built in 1937, a caretaker’s building flanked by men’s and women’s changing rooms and a restroom that is not ADA-compliant.
The park’s steep terrain presents challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
“We are a glacier lake, it’s always steep hills,” Tillapaugh said. “It’s not easy to make it ADA-compliant.”
The park is a popular spot for birthday parties and family gatherings, but the lack of accessibility has been a long-standing issue. Knight shared a story about a child who was unable to reach the picnic area because the steep slope and stairs were not wheelchair accessible.
“That brought tears to her eyes,” said Jaye Shelby, Cooperstown Friends of the Parks vice president.
“If you are mobility challenged or pushing a stroller, the park is difficult to navigate,” Knight added.
The project will focus on making the park more inclusive through key upgrades including ADA-compliant pathways leading to restrooms and the pavilion, an accessible deck and ramp off the pavilion to provide easier lake views, two ADA-compliant parking spaces near the pavilion and a new porch will also be added to the historic pavilion, offering a scenic view of the lake for those who may not be able to access the water.
“The pavilion was originally open-air but is now enclosed,” Knight said. “It’s underutilized and a bit gloomy. When sitting at the picnic tables inside, you can’t see the view which is the best part.”
The project is slated to unfold in phases, with the first phase focusing on rerouting the existing lane to create a separate pedestrian and bike path, along with ADA-compliant parking. This phase is expected to cost about $250,000.
“We already have $70,000 raised, and we’re planning a two-year fundraising horizon,” Hohensee said.
The Friends of the Parks secured a $5,000 ARPA grant from the town of Middlefield, however it would cost $10,000 just to relocate the road to improve accessibility.
An engineer has already been hired to draft plans for the pavilion’s restoration. The work will include adding a ramp and building a new porch to enhance access for individuals with disabilities.
The caretaker’s building, which currently lacks a bathroom, will also be upgraded. Plans include adding a private bathroom to the caretaker’s building and a public restroom where the changing rooms are now located. Another ADA-compliant restroom will be added to the pavilion.
Tillapaugh said that the village of Cooperstown has secured a state grant of just over $200,000 for park improvements. Originally intended for Lakefront Park, the grant has been approved for use at Fairy Springs Park instead.
“We are quite excited,” Tillapaugh said. “This is one of the village’s earliest parks.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2026 to avoid disrupting the summer season. The project is expected to take about two years to complete.
“I am happy to be participating,” said Audrey Porsche, Chair of the village of Cooperstown Parks Board.
Knight expressed gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized the long-term impact of the improvements.
“This is about making Fairy Springs Park a place that everyone can enjoy,” she said.