John Scavo, Town of Clifton Park Planner explores a trail within the property. Photo by John Carl D'Annibale, Times Union.

The Town of Clifton Park recently announced that it is purchasing a 41 acre parcel between Riverview Road (the Mohawk Towpath Byway) and the Mohawk River.  This parcel is northwest of Robinson Street and southeast of Brian Drive and the new Mohawk Landing Park.

Town of Clifton Park Historian John Scherer notes that a 2 acre pond on the site was used as a source for ice in the late 19th century.  Charles Steinmetz, the noted General Electric engineer and inventor at one time used the property as a camp, calling it “Camp Vischer”.  The property is north of historic lock 20 on the Erie Canal located at the end of Robinson Street.

In addition to the pond the property is wooded with a variety of mature hardwoods and a number of trails.  This will be another great historic, recreational, and natural asset along the Mohawk Towpath Byway.