The Hinckley Reservoir Picnic and Day Use Area will be opening on Friday, May 27, for the 2011 summer season, New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Judy Drabicki announced today. Located on Stormy Hill Road in the Town of Russia, Herkimer County, the DEC Hinckley Day Use Area is just a short drive from Utica, Rome and Herkimer.

“Hinckley Reservoir Picnic and Day Use Area is a local getaway spot on the edge of the Adirondack Park, with plenty of fresh air and clean water,” Drabicki said. “Our DEC staff have worked hard to get the site open and running and to provide these facilities to the public for yet another great year of summer outdoor fun.”

The roadways have been freshly paved and some of the out-buildings have been renovated. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors that Hinckley provides as well as opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking or picnicking. The large pavilions provide great spots for larger groups, such as Boy Scout and Girl Scout field trips or barbecues, birthday parties or office picnics.

Amenities include:

• Full staff, including life guards
• Large swimming area
• Fishing
• Picnic tables
• Public grills
• Volleyball court
• Basketball net
• Horse shoe pits
• Hiking and Biking trails

To help defray operational costs, the DEC charges day use fees of $10 per passenger vehicle and $50 per bus. Pavilions can be reserved for $50 per day. The Hinckley Reservoir Day Use area is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, through Labor Day. For more information please contact the Hinckley staff at (315) 826-3800 or DEC Herkimer Office at (315) 866-6330.