By Tracey Drury
tdrury@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1609

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is continuing its search for concessions and program operators at two Western New York parks.

Two separate requests for proposals were issued for the 65,000-acre Allegany State Park. One proposal was returned for the food, beverage and camp store business at the park. The RFP includes year-round operation of a restaurant and gift shop, equipment rentals and seasonal snack stands. State parks officials are still evaluating the bid proposal.

The second RFP has been extended until Feb. 3, with state officials looking for a business to develop year-round cottages and handle cabin rentals, snowmobile rentals and other recreational activities.

"We've had additional inquiries that indicated people needed more time to take a look at it," said Harold Hagemann, director of the concessions management bureau within the state parks office.

As part of a new master plan for the park, the state is looking for a private business partner to design, build and operate two small cottage colonies; renovate an existing group camping facility; and install a ropes course, zip lines and rent snowmobiles - activities not yet available. The master plan also designates about 83 percent of the park as preserved areas, with endangered species and special forest areas.

"All of the proposed development is contemplated in and consistent with the master plan," he said. "We're building on that foundation to both enhance and protect the park resources."

The RFPs also allow the park to offer new amenities and create a revenue stream to help offset state cuts, he said.

"All of our parks have suffered to one degree or another," Hagemann said. "Our goal is not to add additional burdens on an already-overworked parks force."

The Salamanca park currently offers two beaches, picnic areas, hiking trails, educational programming, horseback riding trails, snowmobiling and mountain bike trails, along with 375 cabins, three group camps and 424 campsites. But its remote location and the size - it is the largest in the state system - means finding operators and developers isn't always easy.

"It's probably too large for a small operator but too small for a big operator, so it has to be that right-sized person or business," he said.

The state is also seeking proposals for adaptive reuse of Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora. A request for expressions of interest was issued in August on how to utilize the 633-acre park, the former country estate of the Knox family. The site includes 100 acres of woodlands, ponds and several wetland areas, as well as a 14,400-square-foot estate house, stables and other outbuildings.

Hagemann said there were some modest responses to the RFEI but nothing that will lead to immediate action at the site.

Additional information about business opportunities at state parks can be found here: nysparks.com/business/business-opportunities.aspx.