Whitney Park: Net Proceeds from Sale of Property Listed at More Than $100 million To Be Gifted to Upstate Town

LONG LAKE, NY — John Hendrickson, who passed away last August, designated the Town of Long Lake as the sole beneficiary of net proceeds from the expected sale of Whitney Park. 

The Whitney family acquired the property in the late 1890s and maintained it for more than 125 years, most recently though the responsible stewardship of Hendrickson and his late wife Marylou Whitney. 

The celebrated and historically significant 36,600-acre property includes 22 lakes and ponds, over 100 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and an historic Adirondack Great Camp. 

“This is an historic moment and one of the most significant events in the town’s history,” said town Supervisor Clay Arsenault in a statement. “John Hendrickson and Marylou Whitney were strong supporters of Long Lake during their lifetimes. They were beloved and respected in this community and contributed generously to the Long Lake Library, our medical center, our celebrated fireworks displays, and countless other causes.” 

Hendrickson’s estate will manage the continued marketing and sale of the property. While the actual amount of money that Long Lake receives will not be known until the property is sold, the property is currently listed at more than $100 million. 

“Their generosity through the years did not adequately prepare us to learn that John left the town with a gift of this magnitude and transformational potential. It is totally unexpected, amazing, and will provide incredible opportunities for our community that will have a profound and positive impact for generations to come,” Arsenault said.  

The announcement was made during a special meeting at the Long Lake Town Hall on March 7. There are no restrictions on how the town must use the funds. 

“My colleagues and I will treat this gift with the respect it deserves,” Arsenault said. “Even though it may take several years for Long Lake to receive funds, we will immediately start thinking about how we will manage this gift in a way that is responsible, transparent, and faithful to John’s memory.” 

The Town of Long Lake, located in the Adirondack Mountains of Hamilton County and is home to approximately 800 residents and is a year-round vacation destination. Long Lake, which also includes the Hamlet of Raquette Lake, encompasses over 449 square miles.