The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Making changes to Delphi Falls
WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. >> Madison County is creating a “must-see” destination as it improves Delphi Falls County Park.
The 66-acre property that Madison County purchased in 2018 is home to a two-tiered waterfall. On Friday, the Madison County Planning Department unveiled the preliminary plan for the future of the park.
Madison County has teamed up with Environmental Design & Research, a Syracuse company, to develop a preliminary plan for the next phase of the park. The design includes trails that bring visitors to the upper falls, an ADA accessible overlook, a bridge, larger parking lot and permanent bathrooms.
Upgrades to the park are made possible by a $500,000 Regional Economic Development Council grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation that was awarded in 2018. “The money from the grant
allows us to make the first phase of improvements to Delphi Falls County Park,” said Scott Ingmire, director of the Madison County Planning Department. “We hope to begin improvements in 2020, and be completed by 2021.”
Madison County also honored and thanked Harold Jones, a retired Syracuse University professor, for his generosity that made the purchase of the park possible. Jones initially purchased Delphi Falls then turned around and sold the property for $150,000 to the county. To honor Jones, Madison County had a plaque created and attached to a stone for all visitors to see.
“Without Harold, the public would not be able to enjoy Delphi Falls,” said Madison County Chairman John M. Becker. “We here at the county are truly grateful that he wanted to share the beauty of Delphi Falls with everyone. Now visitors come from all over to see the twotiered falls. And we hope with this new plan for development they continue to come back again and again.”
Madison County acquired the 66-acre property in May of 2018. The park includes acres of woodland and riparian forest along the East Branch of Limestone Creek, steep gorge walls, a house and barn, and the Upper (54 feet) and Lower (62 feet) Delphi Falls. Delphi Falls County Park opened to the public in August 2018. It is currently open year round from sun up to sun down for people to enjoy the splendor of the falls.