Staff Report / May 29, 2026
Village officials, community leaders, and residents gathered this week to celebrate the official opening of the newly redeveloped Walkerbilt Park, a $1.8 million waterfront improvement project aimed at expanding public access and recreation opportunities along the Keuka Lake outlet in Penn Yan.
Located along the Keuka Outlet near downtown Penn Yan, the redesigned park includes new walking paths, waterfront viewing areas, upgraded landscaping, public gathering spaces, lighting improvements, and expanded connections to the nearby Keuka Outlet Trail. Village officials said the project was designed to improve accessibility while creating a more welcoming destination for both residents and visitors.
The redevelopment effort was funded through a combination of state grants and local investment, including support from New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Officials have described the project as part of a broader effort to strengthen Penn Yan’s downtown and waterfront economy through tourism, recreation, and quality-of-life improvements.
Walkerbilt Park occupies land historically associated with Penn Yan’s industrial waterfront and canal-era transportation history. The area now serves as a gateway connecting downtown Penn Yan with the Keuka Outlet Trail, a popular multi-use path that follows the historic canal and rail corridor between Keuka and Seneca lakes. Local leaders said the revitalized park is expected to increase pedestrian traffic and support nearby businesses and community events.
The park opening represents another major waterfront investment in Yates County, where local governments and tourism agencies have increasingly focused on expanding lakefront access and outdoor recreation amenities. Community members attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony described the project as a long-awaited improvement that transforms a previously underutilized area into a centerpiece for public gatherings and waterfront enjoyment.
