The Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Division of Parks and Recreation has announced that Luensman Overview Park and Erlandson Overview Park will open to the public on May 5.

John R. Luensman Overview Park is located on Thayer Road in the Town of Portland. It is situated at the top of the Lake Erie escarpment with a view of the lake plain, villages along the north shore and the Canadian south shore.

Tom Erlandson Overview Park is located on Oak Hill Road in the Town of Carroll. The park is at an elevation of 2,080 feet, making it the second highest elevation in the county. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, including Chautauqua Lake to the west, Onoville valley to the east, and the Allegheny Mountains to the south.

Both parks will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to dusk from May 5 through Nov. 1, , but will not have any restroom facilities open at this time. The DPF will continue to monitor CDC and local health department guidance on when the restroom facilities can be opened. Reservations are required for any gathering requiring use of a park gazebo or any gathering over 20 people. Event or group organizers may be asked to file a NY Forward Plan to ensure compliance with New York State COVID-19 guidance. For additional information and inquires, they can be made to the phone number below.

“Exploring our county parks are a great, low risk activity for families to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Brad Bentley, Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Director. “With the opening of the parks, I remind those utilizing them to please be respectful of others, practice social distancing, and wear a face covering when unable to maintain social distancing from others.”

For more information about parks and trails that are operated and maintained by the Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities, please visit https://chqgov.com/parks-and-trails/parks-trails or www.hikechautauqua.com , or call (716) 661-8417.