Town contending with problems at Porter-on-the-Lake

Popular lakeside park sees increased vandalism, damage and theft

Staff Reports

It’s another super, hot summer day. You drive up with plans to relax at a beautiful lakeside park on the shores of Lake Ontario – only to find trash, vandalism, dog waste, damaged grounds and unpleasantness.

What gives? It’s a question that officials in Porter are contending with this summer at Porter-on-the-Lake town park. Located on Dietz Road off Route 18, adjacent to Four Mile Creek State Park, this small gem first opened in 2008.

Recently, Supervisor John “Duffy” Johnston said town staffers have found broken walls and damaged fixtures in park restrooms; damage done to park trails and frisbee golf fields; reports of litter and dog waste; even reports of visitors stealing plastic bags from stations in the park intended for dog waste disposal.

“Yesterday, I chased I kid out of there on his dirt bike,” he said.

“They broke a toilet in the ladies room; they kicked in a wall in the men’s room. … People aren’t picking up after their dog.”

He shared reports of visitors stealing dog waste plastic bags from park stations.

Johnston said that he’s reached out to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office for increased patrols.

Moreover, “We got cameras down there; they’re by the gym (and the pavilion areas). They’re solar, so when you’re out there at night, (the whole area is illuminated), he said.

In the past, POTL was owned by the Occidental Chemical Corp. and known as Oxy on the Lake. It was used a company retreat and the site of staff get-togethers. Today, POTL provides visitors year-round, unrestricted, free access to the lake.

It’s become a source of pride for the Town of Porter, which manages the property. In past years, POTL has seen many improvements – many secured via grant funding initiated by Johnston. Among them: a new, nationally recognized park fitness center; a renovated pavilion; new lakeside staging area for concerts and events; new picnic shelters; electrical and security updates; renovated restroom facilities; the introduction of frisbee golf; and nature trails winding through the park. Also, new basketball and pickleball courts; paved parking along the beach; EV-charging stations; and a number of community improvement projects by local Eagle Scouts and Boy Scout troops.

There’s also a new memorial tree program the town started this year.

Accordingly, POTL has become increasingly popular with visitors. It’s a favored site of family gatherings, wedding celebrations; community fundraisers such as the annual Mighty Niagara Half Marathon.

“I love this little get away,” local guide Rivin Kie shared in an online post. “It’s quiet, very clean, the sound of the waves crashing on the rocky beach is calming. … I love going here … my service dogs favorite beach.”

“Great, beautiful clean area,” guide Erica Soto wrote. “To swim and play and kayak and frisbee golf … there is so much to do!”

Johnston encouraged parkgoers to visit, love and respect POTL – and to report any signs and vandalism to area law enforcement.

“The whole point is, (we) put a lot of time and money into it and making it beautiful. And then you have a couple of schmucks that are damaging it,” he said.

“Maybe with the increased police presence, hopefully this will stop.”