Sidney’s Keith Clark Park on River Street will host a Community Work Day Saturday, April 18 at 10 a.m. Volunteers are invited to help with some gardening, some mulching, some spring time spruce-up at the park and popular walking trail.
Gather at the park pavilion. Bring your work gloves - even an hour will help. Rain date is Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m.
Keith Clark Park and Nature Trail were initiated by long-time Sidney resident Ed Roelle. He wanted park visitors to have a serene outdoor experience. Through the Sidney Community Foundation and the village of Sidney he saw his vision of the park and nature trail come true in 2005. Unfortunately, due to forces of nature shortly thereafter the park suffered substantial flood damages in 2006 and 2010. Each time, cleanup plans and work details brought the park back to life and the trail provides areas of fun and the opportunity for visitors to enjoy its beauty through peaceful walks and exploration.
Beginning in 2025, park updating has been underway. The restrooms are being renovated with new fixtures, paint and lighting. Repairs and upgrades have been installed at the Friendship Playground and soon a new information sign reminding the youngsters to play safely and fairly will be installed.
Along the walking trail, many plant identification and other informational signs about the Susquehanna River will be replaced with new, clean versions. The covered bridge on the walking trail features the design and structure of the original covered bridge that spanned the Susquehanna River in Sidney from 1852 to 1894. New flood stage markers will be visible on the small covered bridge to serve as reminders of the park’s history as it sits along the Susquehanna River. A new roof will be installed this season.
The park remains a popular gathering place at the pavilion, playground and picnic tables. The pavilion can be used for larger events such as birthday parties and wedding or baby showers. Contact the Sidney village office at 607-561-2324 to reserve your date.
Keith Clark Park is open from sun dawn to dusk. As a safety feature, newly installed video cameras will alert the police of security issues in the park and nature trail. Volleyball, basketball and team ball fields provide athletic opportunities for all ages and a challenging skateboard park offers another opportunity for fun. The ever-popular walking trail takes visitors by gardens, river views, woodland and even cornfields vistas. Choose a one mile loop or continue on for the almost two-mile excursion. Your family dogs on leashes are welcome but bicycles are not allowed on the walking trail.
