Featured Friend: Larry Paola, Friends of Point Au Roche State Park
Friends groups are integral partners in stewarding and championing New York State parks, trails, historic sites and other public green spaces. We caught up with Larry Paola, President of Friends of Point Au Roche State Park, who is doing excellent work to help protect a beloved space in the Thousand Islands region. Point Au Roche comprises 850-acres on Lake Champlain, with 12 miles of trails, a beach, boat launch, and a nature center.
Larry has been involved with the Friends group since 2018 when he and his wife bought a home right next to the park. They had been long-time users of Point Au Roche and when the opportunity came to live within walking distance of their favorite place, they jumped on it. In 2020 Larry stepped up to become president of the organization, as becoming more involved with the Friends appealed to his desire to do something after retirement. Larry says, “It’s one thing to enjoy the park, but being involved with the Friends helps make a difference and support activities.”
Larry took over the helm of the Friends group during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has seen use of the park heavily increase. He shared that he’s seen people visit the park every day since lockdown began. With the influx of visitors, the Friends saw more support was needed and they have donated funds to build kayak racks and provide supplies for the Nature Center’s educator. “The Park Naturalist, Kristin Collins, has done so much for the Nature Center and the Friends have been more than happy to help her with events and programs,” says Larry. Larry noted that the Friends want their funding to be transparent and have park users know where their money goes.
Despite the many successes, Larry still has plenty of unmet goals for the Friends group, one being to increase active memberships. Currently the Friends consists of seven board members and approximately 30 members. He is hoping to increase active membership by 25% over the course of the year to continue to aid the park in hosting events, provide volunteer opportunities to members and donate funds to the park. One of Larry’s first initiatives as president was to secure “Point Au Roche Volunteer” hats and vests for volunteers in order to draw interest to the Friends Groups and recruit more members. His creativity and dedication is helping to maintain a strong, active group of members.
Larry’s creativity is also being put to use in other projects. Presently, he and the Friends are working with the Beekman town historian to provide funds for a project that will tell the history of Point Au Roche before it was a state park. Prior to the state acquiring the land it served as a ROTC training ground during WWII, various summer camps and even an amusement park!
Given Larry’s passion and the success of Friends of Point Au Roche, his biggest piece of advice to offer to other Friends groups is to maintain good relationships with the people that can support your group. As he transitioned into his current role, Larry relied on Nancy Estus, the former president of Friends of Point Au Roche, to show him the ropes and remained in contact with her as they went through the process of renewing the group’s MOA. He also shared that he has a good relationship with Erica Wheatley, the park manager for Point Au Roche, and there is mutual support between them as they take care of the park. Larry adds that he is grateful for the group’s board members. “They really believe in the park and what it has to offer the people of the North Country. The people that are involved are very committed due to a shared love of the park.”
Moving forward, Larry hopes to return to some normalcy and keep moving forward with projects that benefit Point Au Roche. With people like Larry doing amazing work for our public lands, the future of New York State parks is bright.
You can contact Larry at FRIENDSPAR19@gmail.com or send the Friends group mail at P.O. Box 2923, Plattsburgh NY 12901.