Battery Point is at the top left of this screenshot of a Dunkirk satellite image. Wright Park and the city sewage treatment plant are at bottom left. Route 5 and a private development parcel, also referred to as Battery Point, are at bottom right.

Revitalize Dunkirk is pushing for a trail system on city-owned land at Battery Point.

The site, next to Lake Erie, is just north of Wright Park and the city sewage treatment plant. Revitalize Dunkirk’s Mary Rees said the group was starting up a campaign for Battery Point trails when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The campaign lost momentum, but Revitalize Dunkirk is resuming it.

Rees said Revitalize Dunkirk formed an ad hoc committee in the fall to push for the trails. The committee sent a letter to city officials Jan. 17 asking for reactions, responses, feedback and concerns over Revitalize Dunkirk’s request for trails.

“The committee is actively seeking resources and seeks an official statement of support,” Rees said.

The letter stated, “Woodland trails (at Battery Point) would add to Wright Park’s already impressive array of recreational amenities… This would make many nature-based activities possible for Dunkirk residents who lack transportation to nearby communities where these are available.”

The letter also notes potential economic and educational benefits. It adds that an unofficial trail in the area is unsafe, and a professionally designed trail could prevent accidents.

Revitalize Dunkirk hosted Aimee Rogers, president of Imagine Forestville, for a Jan. 25 talk. Rogers discussed the successful establishment of trails in Forestville.

“We found it encouraging for our hopes,” Rees said.

Rees is also sitting in on meetings of the Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways group. The umbrella group for the county’s trail steward organizations brings together official planners and trail users and builders. She said the Battery Point project might fit into the Greenways group’s vision.

The group’s newly hired trail consultant, Jacob Bodway, has expressed an interest in the project, Rees added.

Bodway was set to visit Battery Point this week for a “walkthrough of the area with some members of Revitalize Dunkirk to familiarize himself with the site and give feedback,” Rees said.

Bodway has also facilitated a meeting between city officials, Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways and Revitalize Dunkirk to discuss Battery Point goals. The meeting is set for March 6.

However, so far, “there has been no practical discussion” with Dunkirk officials. “We get mildly favorable comments,” Rees said.

“The money and will is there at the county and state level to pursue trail projects. We have to get City Hall on board,” she added.

Rees hopes the March 6 meeting will help city officials overcome any perceived reluctance to develop Battery Point. Safety concerns in the area — especially near the steep lake bluffs — are part of that reluctance, she said.

In fact, Department of Public Works Director Randy Woodbury has specifically brought up the bluffs in past meetings where possible Battery Point trail development was discussed.

Dunkirk Planning and Development Director Vince DeJoy confirmed the city’s interest — but added notes of caution.

“In order to apply for any type of funding for construction of a trail on city property, the city would want more in-depth studies and engineering to determine impacts and potential issues that should be analyzed,” he said. “The public, any pertinent agencies, and public safety professionals” must also have their say, he added.

DeJoy stated that “The city has been working with Revitalize Dunkirk to seek funding for a feasibility study or technical assistance grant that can be used for an engineered design to seek any potential funding to build it.”

He noted the Common Council would have to sign off on any Battery Point work.

There are actually two “Battery Points”: the city-owned parcel by the lake where the trails are sought, and an adjacent, privately-owned plot that abuts Route 5. The latter parcel was the site of a condominium project announced to great fanfare in 2017, but the developer pulled out and put the land on sale. It still sits undeveloped.