Finger Lakes Cultural & Natural History Museum

The Saunders Finger Lakes Museum (SFLM) focused on the following efforts throughout 2024: capital project construction and consultants, programs/experiences, and campus assets. 1) Capital Project - Under the supervision of the construction management team, the new main exhibit building structure was erected with foundations, infrastructure, steel framing, roof, insulation and exterior weatherization, interior framing, and partial in-ground utilities. 2) Capital Project Consultants - a) Landscape Architecture and Civil Engineering Consultants - finalized plaza features surrounding the new Exhibit building and developed full site plans for site entrances, walkways, parking, and landscaping. b) Exhibit Design Teams provided conceptual designs for phase 2 - Backscape work and supported the campaign efforts with graphics and videos showcasing the exhibits in the new exhibit building. c) Architectural Teams performed ongoing construction supervision to ensure structure was being built to the specifications outlined. Minimal change orders were issued during work performed in 2024.

The SFLM installed a new, EZ Dock/Launch along the shore of Sugar Creek which runs through the museum's campus. This new EZ Dock features an easy-to-use ADA transfer bench and drive-through launch that allows people with disabilities, children, or seniors to feel confident in transferring into their watercraft independently and provides extra stability when launching and docking. This dock also has a curbing feature that provides a safe border around the dock edges for wheelchairs. This dock provided incredible ease for paddlers of all ages! The Museum also installed automatic locking systems at its Creekside restroom facilities with seasonal timed access from 7am7pm. This new feature ensured that the new public restrooms were consistently open when residents, visitors, and program participants needed them most. This approach made the new launch and overall facilities a sought after destination for individuals who enjoy paddling on their own time and with their own boats. Along with the enhancements at the Creekside Center, the Museum's main campus had on display its outdoor 11 Lakes exhibit (an exhibit highlighting key cultural and natural history stories from each of the 11 Finger Lakes), provided upgrades to the children's natural playscape and storywalk, and enhanced site landscaping. On the Museum's 16-acre wetland parcel, also known as the Townsend Grady Wildlife Preserve, the trails and boardwalk continued to be a draw and attraction for locals and guest to explore. The SFLM pursued securing a permit with the DEC looking to expand their dock at the lakeside octagon pavilion located at the southernmost tip of their wetland property. Those discussions are ongoing and final approval was still pending at the EOY 2024. The Museum's programs/experience throughout the 2024 year included: public and private paddling programs (sunset paddles, paddling lessons, paddling instructor certification classes, youth training classes, private paddles for families, scout, and school groups), school group excursions, fitness classes, musical performances, and community and private events accommodating all age groups.