Damage reported at Dann Lake Park

This photo was taken at Dann Lake Park after damage was reported to one of the gates, possibly by an ATV.

Members of the Amherst Conservation, Recreation and Parks Foundation discovered one of two recently installed gates to the park smashed during the week of Sept. 16. Investigators believe the damage was caused by a vehicle operating illegally inside the park.

The gate, worth several hundred dollars, is a complete loss, according to Larry Behan, member of the Conservation Advisory Council.

The Amherst Highway Department installed the two gates into the park at the Dann Road entrance within the last few months. The Town Board ordered that it be made clear to ATV owners that the use of ATVs in Dann Lake Park has been destructive and is illegal. Signs to that effect have been in place for many months.

On Aug. 20, the Town Board approved a management plan for the park, drawn up by the Dann Lake Committee of the Amherst Conservation Advisory Council, which dedicates the park to passive, natural uses such as walking and fishing.

The 181-acre park is located off Millersport Highway, near the Lou Gehrig Baseball Center.