SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new economic impact report found that New York parks have become major contributors to the state economy, with park visitors generating about $5.6 billion in sales and $2.5 billion in labor income in one year. The data was collected from January through December 2021, when the annual GDP of New York State Parks and Historic Sites amounted to $3.7 billion.
The report’s findings were unveiled in a press conference in the Saratoga Spa State Park last Friday morning that was led by Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York. Local community leaders such as Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga, and Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, were also in attendance.
“The report that we’re releasing today really shows the result of historic investment in the state park system,” White said at the event. “The state park system is now as vital, as large, as the agricultural sector in New York State, in terms of its contribution to our economy.”
White said that the Saratoga Spa State Park is the fourth most-visited park in New York, totaling 3.6 million visits per year. Of the estimated 78 million total visits to all New York State Parks in 2021, 47 million came from non-locals (defined as anyone traveling more than 50 miles). Non-local visitors generated about $2.9 billion of the total $5.6 billion in sales. These monetary figures are expected to increase, given that New York State Parks saw around 84 million visits in 2023, a 6 million increase from 2021.
The report also suggested that the funding of state parks results in a healthy return on investment, with every $1 million spent on the parks resulting in $10 million in sales, $4 million in labor income, and $7 million in state GDP.
“We are really fortunate in Saratoga County that we actually have three state parks, amazing parks in Moreau, Waterford, and Saratoga Springs,” said Chamber President Todd Shimkus. “Each of these obviously help us to attract visitors, which helps our local businesses to succeed, grow, and thrive.”
Shimkus said that Saratoga County’s local parks add amenities to the area that help attract talented job applicants looking to fill open positions.
“I can share countless stories of visitors who come for the natural beauty and stay for the vibrant community experiences,” said Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri. “These visitors often return, bringing their friends, colleagues, and families, further contributing to the local economy.”
The report, titled “New York’s State Parks: Economic Engine for the State,” was conducted by Parks & Trails New York, The Political Economy Research Institute, and The National Heritage Trust. Data was sourced from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; I Love NY/Empire State Development; and comparable regional and national studies.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Putnam Market has announced that its wine room will be closing on December 31 when the market’s Wine Director, William Roach, retires. In the wine room’s place will be The Café at Putnam Market, slated to open in January.
“William steered our wine store through 26 years made memorable by remarkable bottles and even more remarkable people,” the company said in a statement.
“The city of Saratoga Springs was transformed during The Wine Room’s tenure at Putnam Market,” Roach said. “So I say goodbye to all that with sincere gratitude for the many kindnesses shown to me, a fresh off the boat Brit, by you, my friends and neighbors. And while I can’t claim any responsibility for the wonderful city where we live, I was there as it happened, and I am grateful I was.”
The Café at Putnam Market will feature barista service, afternoon tea, takeout sandwiches, soups, baked goods, wine and beer by the glass, specialty groceries, confections, party supplies, and Putnam Market branded merchandise.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Historian Colonel (Ret.) Kevin J. Weddle, Ph.D. was presented with the first-ever Preserving Our Military Heritage Award from the Friends of the New York State Military Museum on Wednesday night. Weddle is the author of the award-winning tome “The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution.”
“The thing that’s so wonderful about this award and that really, really touches me is it’s from a military family,” Weddle said. “This is from my family, my fellow soldiers, fellow Marines, this is my team. It’s been that way since I was 18 years old. I’ve been either in or out of uniform serving the Army for all that time. So having an award like this come from my family is the thing that means the most to me.”
Weddle received the prize at the Military Museum in Saratoga Springs in front of a small group of colleagues and admirers.
Weddle’s book, “The Compleat Victory,” was deemed “the definitive account of the Saratoga campaign” by New Books Network. It won several awards, including the Gilder Lehrman Military History Prize and Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award. The book is a strategic history of the entire Saratoga campaign and was published by Oxford University Press as part of its Pivotal Moments in American History series.
Weddle is a 1979 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he later taught Military History. He was Professor of Military Theory and Strategy at The United States Army War College in Pennsylvania for 16 years. He’s now a Distinguished Fellow at the college. He served for more than 28 years in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer officer before retiring as a colonel. He is a veteran of Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. He holds a master’s degree in history and civil engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. from Princeton University.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Restaurateur Briana Lin is opening her seventh Capital Region establishment at 30 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs, the former site of 30 Lake, which closed in February.
Omakase Sushi and Grill is named after the Japanese tradition of omakase, which literally translates to “I leave it up to you.” When ordering omakase, patrons entrust the chef to choose their meal for them.
In his book “The Story of Sushi,” author Trevor Corson wrote that “[Omakase is] what the sophisticated customer says to the chef when settling down at the sushi bar. Sushi connoisseurs seldom order off a menu. Traditionally, sushi bars in Japan didn’t even have menus.”
The restaurant will also feature a standard menu with a la carte sushi and other Asian dishes for less adventurous diners.
“Here’s a little glimpse into what’s in store,” Omakase recently wrote on their Facebook page,
“fresh flavors, artful presentation, and an intimate setting perfect for savoring each delicate bite.”
An official opening date for the restaurant hasn’t yet been announced, though previous reports suggested it may open as soon as this month.
Lin’s growing restaurant empire includes Azuma Sushi Bistro in Malta and five other eateries located in Latham, Glenmont, and Niskayuna.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The future AC Marriott Hotel, located on the former site of the Turf & Spa Hotel at 176 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, is rapidly taking shape. According to Bonacio Construction, structural steel has been installed, concrete was poured for the garage, and wood framing on the upper floors is currently underway.
When completed, the four-story hotel will include 120 rooms, underground parking, a pool, fitness center, bar & lounge, and meeting areas. The project broke ground in February.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — According to an August 2024 market update created by the Greater Capital Association of Realtors, the median sales price of a home in Saratoga County from January through August of 2024 was $435,000. Compared to the same eight-month period last year, the median price has increased by 7%.
The number of new listings has also declined, by 1.9%, compared to January-August last year, and the number of closed sales dropped by nearly 4%.
In Saratoga Springs, the median sales price of a home is now $632,500, a nearly 6% increase compared to January-August 2023. The number of closed sales declined by 23.4%, and the number of new listings dropped by nearly 6%.
The real estate picture in Malta is a bit rosier. Although the median sales price has increased by more than 10% to $444,261, the number of listings and the number of closed sales are both up by more than 13% and 25%, respectively.
In Wilton and Gansevoort, the median sales price is up 17% to $544,686. The number of listings has increased by 4%, but the number of closed sales is down by nearly 5%.
SCHUYLERVILLE — Ferdle Turtle Brewing Company opened a taproom below Sweet Lou’s Bistro in Schuylerville last week.
“So excited to officially open,” the company said in a Facebook post. “We can’t wait to serve the community and be a part of this vibrant town.”
Owner Alex Fredell previously worked at a local microbrewery before opening his own taproom.
Ferdle Turtle is located at 161 Broad Street in Schuylerville and is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 9 p.m.
BALLSTON SPA — The Sanders Meat Market in Ballston Spa has been sold to local husband-wife duo Jim and Alison Gilcreast. The previous owner, Tim Sanders, decided to sell the business after working in the industry for nearly six decades.
“We are thrilled to announce that we have officially purchased Sanders Meat Market in Ballston Spa, a beloved local butcher shop known for its high-quality meats and exceptional customer service,” the Gilcreasts wrote in a Facebook announcement. “Our team is dedicated to preserving the shop’s legacy while introducing new offerings and enhancing your shopping experience.”
The Gilcreasts said they would keep the shop’s name and congratulated Sanders on his retirement.
The Sanders Meat Market is located in the Carousel Village shopping plaza at 2100 Doubleday Avenue Ballston Spa.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Condé Nast Traveler announced last week its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the Saratoga Arms as the 14th best hotel in the Mid-Atlantic. For the second year in a row, Saratoga Arms was the only hotel in the Capital District to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers.
“We are honored to be included in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row,” said Amy Smith, owner of Saratoga Arms, in a statement. “We love being a home-away-from-home for our guests and we are incredibly grateful for their votes and continued support, which have allowed us to receive this significant recognition among the world’s best hotels.”
Saratoga Arms is welcoming guests to celebrate the award by booking their next visit with promo code CNT2024. Guests who book with the code will receive a complimentary half bottle of Pol Roger Champagne and a box of artisan chocolate truffles in their room upon arrival.
