On the windswept shore of Lake Ontario, Hamlin Beach State Park provides a 1,200-acre public destination with mature trees, sandy beaches, camping, and hiking and biking trails. Winter storms and seasonal high lake levels now require a more sustainable approach to the shoreline. Starr Whitehouse is working with NYS Parks to: 1. Stabilize the... Continue Reading
On the windswept shore of Lake Ontario, Hamlin Beach State Park provides a 1,200-acre public destination with mature trees, sandy beaches, camping, and hiking and biking trails. Winter storms and seasonal high lake levels now require a more sustainable approach to the shoreline. Starr Whitehouse is working with NYS Parks to: 1. Stabilize the shoreline in anticipation of stronger, more frequent Lake Ontario storm surges; 2. Improve ecology along the shoreline and upland landscapes; 3. Enhance the overall visitor experience. The new park design will replace the deteriorating waterfront promenade with cobble material to create a more dynamic and adaptable shoreline. Native plant species like grasses and shrubby willows will further stabilize the shoreline and reintroduce native habitat. Upland, ten acres of mown lawn will be converted into naturalized meadow, seeded with species native to the Great Lakes region. Improved circulation, wayfinding, and programming throughout the site will create a cohesive journey from meadow to shore — celebrating this valuable piece of Great Lake habitat.