Niskayuna, New York

opportunities. “We have a great network of parks, many of which are interconnected, because almost three sides of Niskayuna are bordered by the Mohawk River,” says Laura Robertson, Niskayuna’s Town Planner. “We have the Empire Trail that starts in Albany and goes all the way to Buffalo and a piece of it runs through a vast majority of Niskayuna, which is just a huge resource for our residents. People enjoy it year-round.” The town is also home to Lisha Kill Nature Preserve, one of the state’s premier Nature Conservancy parks. Robertson adds, “There’s a lot of opportunity for people to get outside and exercise and connect with nature and the river. It’s very beautiful here.” Last year, the town joined with the New York State Canal Corporation to take part in their Canal Staycations initiative, to help promote the canal as a recreational experience and draw attention to the many hospitality opportunities that can be found along the banks. People could pick up a free kayak from Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady and kayak along the canal to the Lock 7 boat launch in Niskayuna. They could then borrow a free bike to loop back to Mohawk Harbor by land. For the second year, the Town of Niskayuna will be offering residents kayaks for use on the Mohawk River. The kayak rental “kiosk” is located at Aqueduct Park on Aqueduct Road in Niskayuna. Rentals are $60 for a pair for three-hour intervals and are available seven days a week. The low-cost rentals will run through the fall. “We are grateful for the Canal Corp for inviting the Town of Niskayuna. They’ve invited us to partake in a lot of events and a lot of the push to get everybody out enjoying the canal and being in nature,” Syed says. And the canal offers more opportunities than just kayaking. As Kevin Walsh, Niskayuna’s Planning Board Chairman boasts, “Don’t forget about fishing and recreational boating, too. Besides kayaks you can use power boats such as pontoon boats and cruisers. The NI SKAYUNA , NEW YORK Niskayuna is a great place to get outdoors in all seasons!