OBSERVER Photo by Natasha Matteliano Linesman Overview Park in Portland will open on Aug. 3.

The Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Division of Parks and Recreation announced this week that Luensman Overview Park and Erlandson Overview Park will reopen to the public Aug. 3

“Both parks usually open in mid-May, but their openings were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing requirements and the county’s budgetary constraints,” 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 at least six feet of distance from others.”

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. Many local schools usually have field trips to the park, as it is a great tool for learning about nature.

At Luensman Overview Park, those who wish to can follow the trail, where there are 24 different stations located along it. Each station is listed in their mini-booklet that can be found online and printed. The stations include learning opportunities that teach about things such as forest growth, different trees, and ponds.

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.

At Erlandson Overview Park, there is a printout available on their website that includes a map of attractions that can be found in Chautauqua County, including several other trails and parks.

Both parks will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to dusk from August 3 through November 1, 2020, but will not have any restroom facilities open. No large gatherings or organized events will be permitted until further notice at either park.