Education Center & 4-H Park Overview

The initial concept for the Education Center and 4-H Park was to build a safe and welcoming place to hold 4-H events and activities. It slowly grew into a comprehensive community development initiative. In 2013, 54 acres was secured and in 2016 purchased by Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County in the town of Mount Hope. The address for the new facility is 300 Finchville Turnpike, Otisville, N.Y. Construction to the facilities is still operating on a day-to-day basis.

The Education Center and 4-H Park allows Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County (CCEOC) to significantly increase educational outreach, while providing a state-of-the-art facility for Orange County and surrounding communities. Educational programs that showcase youth development, adult and family workshops and/or agriculturally focused opportunities will be held there.

The Education Center and 4-H Park will become a regional educational, research and exhibition facility for Orange County and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

• Youth Fair(s) and Community Festivals. With ability to accommodate gatherings of 50,000, the Education Center and 4-H Park will provide an outstanding setting for family-oriented and educational events. It is the new home for The Country Fair in Otisville.

• Community Environmental Education. The rural setting provides opportunities for school programs, wetlands, forest education and a demonstration site for ecologically friendly construction principles.

• Family & Consumer Sciences. The new facility will extend capacity to present programs focusing on “Living Well” – Raising Children, Eating Right, and Spending Smart.

Education Center & 4-H Park structures and buildings:

The following buildings/structures are being built in phases as funding is secured. Some are already completed, as noted below.

POLE BARNS: (5): The pole barns are open on all sides with the ability to add portable pens, fences and stalls when needed to accommodate livestock. These barns can also be used for events such as school programs, outdoor breakout areas for youth workshops, animal classes, agricultural or family oriented trade shows and more.

POLE BARNS Completed:

• Orange Bank & Trust Barn
• Dairy Barn
• Unnamed Barn
• Kosuga Barn (This multi-use barn is enclosed on four sides. It has multiple purposes including workshops, exhibitions, fundraisers and community events.)

Future Construction

• Barn #4 - unnamed
• Livestock Pavilion

OPEN FENCED ARENA: (150 x 300) Completed in 2017, this arena is designed for horse shows and other exhibitions. DASNY Grant funding through Senator John J. Bonacic.

• Completed

SHOWER EQUIPPED RESTROOMS: The state of the art building is equipped with (9) showers, (14) toilets and (10) sinks.

• Completed
• Foxlair Equestrians Family Restrooms

FUTURE PLANS AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

BIG RED BARN: Will be the primary farm to consumer education building.

COVERED ARENA: This large clear span heated building would be used for animal shows, small concerts, trade shows, dog training, family events and exhibitions.

STORAGE BUILDING: Enclosed storage shed.

MILKING PARLOR: Will provide for the milking of cows and goats through the use of milking stations and tank cooler.

RESTING PARK: A beautiful landscaped area that might include gazebos, benches and gardens.

CAMPING AREA: Will be designed for residential camp use. Platforms will hold tents that could accommodate youth campers and chaperons.

GREENHOUSE: Will be used for horticultural research trials, vocational education, and by the Master Gardner Volunteers.

EDUCATION CENTER: A year-round, heated, air-conditioned and handicapped accessible building. It will be the center of hundreds of Cornell Cooperative Extension program opportunities. It will accommodate a teaching kitchen, a quiet space for children to play and learn and programming, office and workshop space.

Click here for ways you can assist with the Education Center & 4-H Park fundraising.

Last updated November 3, 2023