Town of Cortlandville Celebrates Opening of Cross Country Loop at Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex – Allows Cortland and Homer Schools to Host Home Meets

On Wednesday afternoon at the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex in Cortlandville, an official ribbon cutting took place on the opening of the new cross country trail at the park. The new trail also now connects to the trails at Lime Hollow Nature Center.

Speaking during the event were John McNerney, Director of the Town of Cortlandville’s Park and Recreation Department and Town Supervisor Greg Leach. The opening of the new cross country trail now gives a “home field” for both Cortland and Homer High Schools Cross Country teams.

McNerney spoke how the creation of this new 3 mile trail only adds to the numerous offerings the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex offers for the community. He then added that so far, only about 25% of the 100 acre park has been developed and work continues on future development, including the soon to open concessions building located in the center of the four baseball fields.

“Some of the pros I see to hosting cross country here at this facility. There is plenty of parking for buses and spectators, we have a restroom facility, we have a future concession building that is going down at the hub of our fields so we can offer concessions in the future. This [pavilion] can be used to host pre and post meet meetings.”

Director McNerney said.

The Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex holds more than just baseball and softball fields. It includes a playground, open pavilion for events including picnics and family reunions. 

McNerney says the idea for the creation of a place for both Cortland and Homer Schools Cross Country teams to have a home arena came about a year ago when it was brought up by Machell Phelps of the Cortland Regional Sports Council. Both schools had been unable to host a home cross country meet for a number of years. A goal was then created to have an adequate cross country course ready by the season start in 2024.

Town Supervisor Greg Leach says the creation of the trail resulted in a lot of hard work and dedication.

“This trail is a result of many dedicated town employees, local officials, and volunteers. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. It represents our commitment to provide not only a sports venue, but a recreation one as well.”

Town Supervisor Leach said. 

Additional support on the creation of the trail came from Lime Hollow with the trails featuring a variety of types of gravel including grass, and woodchips, something that is good for cross country training. The trail will be checked daily by members of the Parks and Recreation Department for any downed trees or other obstacles that may pose a threat to those utilizing the trails.

McNerney also says the department is also looking into the future development of a perimeter trail around the park. He says the trail would be about 1.3 miles long and work on the development continues with the possibility of it opening next year.