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Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining the following:

Building & Grounds

DPW maintains Town-owned buildings and grounds throughout the Town of Dryden.

Dryden Lake Park

Dryden Lake Park Pavilion Reservation Form

Dryden Lake Park, located off Lake Road 3 miles south of the Village of Dryden, is leased by the Town for public use. Two pavilions may be reserved for public or private events. Please email the completed Application to hwysecretary@dryden.ny.us.

Jim Schug Trail 

The Jim Schug Trail was built in the early 1990’s and renamed in 2002 in honor of former Town Supervisor James Schug. The trail spans 5 miles beginning at Rt.13 next to Dryden Agway all the way to Willow Crossing. Though the trail is maintained with mowing and brush removal during warmer months, it is not maintained during winter months.

Dryden Rail Trail

The Dryden Rail Trail is a multi-modal trail currently under construction spearheaded by the Dryden Rail Trail Task Force and Friends of the Dryden Rail Trail. The trail spans over 10 miles from Rt. 13 in the Village of Dryden, to the Village of Freeville, through Etna to Varna, ending at the Ithaca Town Line at Game Farm Road. For more information about this trail, and other trails in the Greater Tompkins County Area, please see ithacatrails.org.

Water & Sewer Districts

There are 6 water districts and 7 sewer districts within the Town of Dryden. For more information about these districts, including current rates and maps, please see the Water and Sewer pages.

Dr. Donald H. Crispell Flood Control Project (Virgil Creek Dam)

Inspections are done frequently during and after heavy rain events as well as other times throughout the year. Normal maintenance includes spring debris cleanup, cleanup as needed after heavy rain events, and annual mowing.

Virgil Creek Stabilization

Section starts above Lake Street Bridge and continues to Gas Pipe Line Crossing. Repairs are made to rock vanes in the Virgil Creek Stabilization & Relocation Project as needed.

Old Cemeteries (Unfunded)

Named – Van Nortwick Place Cemetery off Caswell Road, Robertson Cemetery off  Baker Hill Road, Ringwood (Knapp) Cemetery off Ringwood Road, Scofield (Gee Hill) Cemetery off Simms Hill Road, California (Dusenbury) Cemetery off Hunt Hill Road.

Routine maintenance is performed each year as time permits consisting of mowing, weed eating, cutting brush, cleaning up debris, repairing split rail fence, and inspecting for damage and vandalism.