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10 The Work Force July-August 2015 Workers’ appreciation of nature, history Letchworth State Park was recently voted the No. 1 state park in the United States in a USA Today poll. One of the top reasons the park in Livingston and Wyoming counties received this honor is because of its workers’ dedication to keeping the park pristine and its history alive. Thousands of CSEA members across the state work hard every day, and in all weather conditions, to maintain state and municipal parks like Letchworth, which provide inexpensive, year-round entertainment for millions of New Yorkers. At Letchworth State Park, nearly 120 CSEA members serve as the park’s backbone. Workers perform all kinds of duties to keep the park pristine, including office work, mowing thousands of acres of grass every day, electrical, plumbing, managing conservation and renewable energy programs and assisting in historical preservation. “This recognition is a personal reflection on all of the people that work here,” John Wolfer, CSEA Genesee State Park Commission Local president. “From the office staff to the maintenance crew and park staff, we all share in this. We are all very proud of the park.” And they should be. Letchworth State Park comprises 6,000 acres beloved by campers and hikers. The park also hosts numerous festivals and events year round that often attract thousands of visitors. Natural wonder Letchworth is a natural wonder of the Genesee Valley. Many area residents and park visitors affectionately refer to the park as Grand Canyon of the East, as its many attractions for visitors include majestic waterfalls and a 600-foot gorge. CSEA members employed across the park are proud to maintain its grounds and preserve its history. The park was home to William Pryor Letchworth, a social reformer of the late 1800s who made his fortune in manufacturing and iron. He was described as having a keen intellect and deep interest in Genesee Valley history. Today, CSEA members maintain the historic sites Letchworth created within the park, which Letchworth State Park proudly displays its designation as USA Today’s “America’s No. 1 Park” in front of the Visitors Center. The solar panels on the building were recently installed by CSEA members who are trained in solar panel installment. Tyler Piraino, a parks and recreation aide at Letchworth, is one of the park workers who trim thousands of acres of grass every day. CSEA Genesee State Park Commission Local President John Wolfer works near the historic gravesite of Mary Jemison. Andy Gibb, Lynn Houdes and Brin Sandford greet visitors. CCC statue


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