Town of Greece celebrates the grand opening of a new canal-side pavilion at North Hampton designed for community gatherings

Greece, New York – The Town of Greece marked a new addition to its growing network of public gathering spaces on Friday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony at North Hampton, celebrating the official opening of a new pavilion along the Erie Canal. Town officials, residents, and community members gathered at 50 South Pointe Landing to welcome a project designed to bring people closer to one of the town’s most scenic natural areas.

Town Supervisor Bill Reilich led the ceremony, highlighting the pavilion as both a functional community space and a symbol of the town’s long-term vision for canal-side development. Set directly along the Erie Canal, the open-air structure offers sweeping views of the water and surrounding landscape, creating a setting meant for relaxation, connection, and community use.

Designed with residents in mind, the pavilion provides a flexible space that can be rented for a wide range of activities, from family celebrations and reunions to neighborhood gatherings and community events. The structure includes 14 picnic tables, with seating for up to 96 guests, making it suitable for both small and larger groups. A grill and on-site restrooms further add to the pavilion’s convenience and usability, allowing visitors to comfortably spend extended time at the location.

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Reservations for the pavilion are expected to open in early 2026, giving residents the opportunity to plan future events around the new space. Town officials say the delay will allow time to finalize scheduling systems and ensure the site is fully prepared for regular public use.

One of the most distinctive features of the Pavilion at North Hampton is its direct connection to the Erie Canal through a pedestrian bridge. The bridge links the pavilion to a paved and well-lit path, creating safe and easy access for walkers, families, and visitors of all ages. The design encourages people to explore the canal area on foot while providing a secure route between gathering spaces and scenic walkways.

Looking ahead, town leaders see this bridge as just the beginning. Plans call for the pedestrian connection to eventually expand into a full boardwalk, further enhancing the canal experience and opening new opportunities for recreation and leisure. Once completed, the expanded pathway is expected to strengthen the canal’s role as a central feature of community life in Greece.

Supervisor Reilich emphasized that the pavilion reflects a broader commitment to investing in parks and public spaces throughout the town. “Throughout my administration, we’ve made it a priority to invest in our parks and public spaces. From new park lodges to major upgrades across the town, these projects are about improving quality of life and creating places where people want to gather, relax, and enjoy everything Greece has to offer. This pavilion is another important step in that ongoing commitment. The Pavilion at North Hampton also represents the beginning of future development along the canal. It sets the pace for thoughtful, community-focused expansion and opens the door to even greater access and enjoyment of this beautiful natural asset. With its open-air design and on-site restrooms, this pavilion is both functional and inviting—and I’m confident it will quickly become a favorite destination for residents.”

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Community members attending the opening noted the pavilion’s balance of simplicity and purpose, praising its accessibility and scenic setting. Many expressed excitement about using the space for future events and spending more time along the canal.

As the ribbon was cut and the pavilion officially opened, town officials said the project represents more than just a new structure. It signals continued investment in shared spaces that bring residents together while honoring the natural beauty of the Erie Canal, setting the stage for future improvements and community-focused growth in the Town of Greece.