B. Forman Park

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Families enjoy the park facilities in late summer. (September 2011)

A day with no wind or rain brings almost crystal-clear water. (September 2011)

Families enjoy the beach in late summer. (September 2011)

The red sandstone pebbles give this beach fantastic color. (September 2011) **Print available**

There are several nice shaded spots to enjoy views of the lake. (September 2011) **Print available**

A grassy lakeside hill. (September 2011)

A grassy lakeside hill offers a wonderful view of the whole park and is an excellent pot to catch a summer sunset. (September 2011)

The red medina sandstone pebbles of the beach. (September 2010) **Print available**

The beach is a nice spot to view the lake, toss rocks, and take photos, but there is no swimming. (September 2010) **Print available**

The large indoor pavilion can host some large parties. (September 2011)

Related Books / Media

Prints for Sale

Location / Directions / Maps

Location: On the south end of Lake Ontario; east of the village of Pultneyville; in the town of Williamson; Wayne County; New York

Maps: Google map; Bing Maps; Multi-map (topo); Interactive map

GPS: Parking (N 43.28079 / W 77.16866)
Lodge (N 43.28164 / W 77.16966)

Directions: From Rt 104 in Williamson, head north on Co Rd 120 (Lake Ave then Jay Street) for 3 miles until you reach Co Rd 101 (Lake Rd). Turn right onto Lake Rd and follow it for 2/3 mile. The park will be on the left.

Google Directions.

Parking: The main parking lot on the premises can fit about 50 cars.

Information / Accessibility / Accommodations

Seasons/Hours: Open year-round, from dawn until dusk.

Admission: Free.

Best time to visit: Spring through fall.

Time: A few minutes to see the lake.

Handicap accessibility: One of the pavilions is.

Pets: Allowed if on a leash. For your pet’s safety, and the safety of other hikers, keep your pet on the leash! It doesn’t matter if your dog is “friendly,” it’s the law. Please clean up after.

Swimming: Not allowed.

Boat launch: None.

Accommodations: Pavilions (one enclosed lodge), restrooms, picnic tables, grills, playground, baseball field, shuffle ball court. No swimming.

Contact Information

Wayne County
Buildings and Grounds / Parks
7312 Rt 31
Lyons, NY 14489
Phone: (315) 946-5836
co.wayne.ny.us

Description

Like many of the beautiful Lake Ontario parks in Upstate NY, B. Forman County Park is a wonderful family-gathering point and a beautiful spot to catch a sunset over the lake. With ample picnicking facilities, including a massive 80-person indoor pavilion, and plentiful stray benches and grills, it’s no mystery why this park gets packed in the summer. Fully developed, the park has no trails or natural areas, but the beach is wide open and setting down a lawn chair to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the lake is a breeze.

Unfortunately, like many of the other parks, its beautiful beach is closed to swimming and all of its recreation opportunities are limited to land. One major reason for the closed access is that the municipal sewage line dumps just offshore to the west, rendering the water quality questionable at best. Despite signs that indicate “no swimming” it is not uncommon to see people wading in the water and children splashing around in it. Oops.

Hiking / Walking Trails

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: Walking the circumference of the park is less than half a mile.

Description: There aren’t any trails or natural areas. You can easily walk around the park if you’d like.

Markings: None.

Maps: Interactive map.

B. Forman Park Interactive Map

Drag the map or click the arrows to move around and use the +/- to zoom in or out. Click on the icons for more information. This map is not accurate. Caution and common sense should be used when hiking.

View B. Forman County Park in a larger map

History

The earliest known history of this immediate area was in the late 17th century when French maritime explorers stopped at the mouth of Salmon Creek to trade with Native Americans (most likely the Seneca).
The village that is now Pultneyville was first settled by Jacob Hallet, in 1808 on the assignment of creating a settlement for the land capitalist Sir William Pultney of England.

The site of B. Forman Park was the property of farmer Samuel Cuyler, who opened his estate to the Underground Railroad movement as a terminus. From there, escaped slaves would board a ship captained by Horatio N. Throop bound for Canada. The Cuyler home burned to the ground and the estate was eventually turned into a community park on June 25, 1955. The park was named after Benjamin Forman, a Rochester merchant and civic leader, who operated the B. Formans’ department store (incorporated in 1912 and operated at 46 Clinton Avenue, Rochester).

Interesting Stuff

Why No Swimming?

As stated above, the municipal sewage line dumps into the lake just offshore from the west side of the park. It is treated, of course, but after times of heavy rain not all of the flow is treated fully. Swimming could be hazardous to your health. Also, the water here is deep and murky. No lifeguards are on duty.

Shipwreck

The St. Peter Shipwreck is located far offshore to the east of the park. Wrecked on October 27, 1898, and taking eight lives, this three-masted schooner was carrying coal to the Welland Canal when it was lost in a massive storm. You cannot see the wreck from the park, but experienced divers are free to take a boat out there and have a look.

Photography Tips

Medina Sandstone

Try to incorporate those red beach stones into the shot. When wet they take on a deeper color.

Sunsets

Because of the angle of the beach, sunsets are best (positioned more over the water) in mid-summer.

More tips

See the Articles and Message Board sections for more photography tips.

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