"It is no wonder that you remain a vivid, vital part of my spirit. You have touched the souls of the Senecas who called your water 'The Chosen Spot' - Canandaigua'. Hundreds of moons later, you let me know your history, feel your sparkling water, see your sunrise and hear your joy of life and laughter. Onanda, every moccasin, every sneaker, every bare foot that has paced your shore, traveled your glen or hiked your hill has been touched by your gifts.

You have been through many changes since the Senecas grew from you. White men from New England and Virginia found your beauty, Mr. Phelps and Mr. Gorham sensed your kindness and kept your name. They brought rugged individuals to 'The Chosen Spot' who civilized the land without taking too much in return. All those who have come somehow knew that this lake with rolling hills and shale cliffs should remain as close to nature as possible.

Today Canandaigua is dotted with summer homes, cottages and gentle communities. One can still imagine the Senecas coming to your shore of water, fishing from the lake and canoeing the waterway with furs to trade. Like the area, Onanda, you too must change. Fear not, for you will remain open. Open to souls that you will be able to touch with past and imprint with your spirit. You will still hear laughter and feel the blaze of cooking fires. Though change is difficult and secrets you have held will vanish, you will always be a powerful influence upon those who feel you.

I will miss the cabins resting high on Onanda's hill. But then I think of how the Senecas must have felt when thewier open land became obstructed by dwellings of white men. And, like the Senecas, I will never forget how it once was because one can't forget those things that touch the inner most part of one's spirit.

All that I ask, all that I hope for, is that Onanda will be allowed to ever share the wonder and secrets of her past and beauty. Onanda will continue to give if we tread lightly and open our hearts and minds to all that has made Onanda a slice of "The Chosen Spot'.

With tears and laughter of memories I must say good-bye to you Onanda. The good-bye is to a landscape that taught me about friendship, giving and growth. No one will see you or know you as I did. Thank you for giving freely of yourself.

May you always touch the spirits of those who meet you as you have mine. And may your visitors hear the wisdom and know your beauty. You are a gift, a Chosen Place, to those who will receive you. Hold fast, dear friend."

Today, Onanda Park is poised to provide the general public with the values so eloquently stated above. In a landmark cooperative effort involving the State of New York and the Town of Canandaigua, these lands were purchased from the Young Womans Christian Association. Environmental Quality Bond Act funding has financed the very carefully planned development of this park into the superb multi-use all season facility it is today.

The Onanda trails and trail structures have been developed in cooperation with the Conservation Department of Finger Lakes Community College. Park staff, FLCC faculty and students have produced what exists today.
The booklet may be borrowed at the parks front gate or if you wish to keep it please consider a small donation of 2.00 to cover it's production cost.