Community members of Au Sable Forks, Jay, Upper Jay, and neighboring towns connected by the Ausable River are invited to join.
AU SABLE FORKS, NY – The Town of Jay will host a community welcome event on Friday, September 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., and a community workshop on Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to invite community input in planning an outdoor recreation economy that supports Main Street revitalization as part of the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program.
“This is a chance for people who enjoy being outside in Au Sable Forks, Jay, Upper Jay, and our neighboring communities connected by the Ausable River to shape the future of outdoor recreation here,” said Town of Jay Councilor Olivia Dwyer. “If you are interested in public parks, trails, and seeing local businesses thrive in our hamlet centers, we want to hear from you—everyone is welcome and no experience is required.”
Jay is one of 25 small towns and rural communities nationwide participating in RERC, which is a joint program of federal and regional partners including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, the Northern Border Regional Commission, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Denali Commission. These partners will provide a planning assistance team to facilitate community engagement at the upcoming events.
Free food and beverages will be provided to attendees of both events. Event details include:
RERC Community Welcome Event
- Friday, September 25, 2026
- Jay Community Center, 11 School Lane, Au Sable Forks
- Free dinner provided at 5:00 p.m. Welcome program from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
- Learn about RERC, get updates on outdoor recreation projects in the Town of Jay, and share your ideas for the future.
RERC Community Workshop
- Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Jay Community Center, 11 School Lane, Au Sable Forks
- Workshop runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and attendees are welcome to join for all or part of the workshop. Free lunch provided.
- This interactive workshop will include community conversations, idea sharing, and planning actions within the next one to three years.
To help plan for food and beverages, event organizers request registration at https://bit.ly/RERCJayNY. Registration is not required to attend either event.
The RERC Community Welcome Event and the RERC Community Workshop will seek community input on enhancing recreation access for residents and visitors, strengthening recreation connections between Jay’s hamlets and surrounding communities, supporting small businesses in Jay’s hamlets to meet community needs, and creating sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities in the town.
Those with questions about the RERC program and upcoming community events are welcome to contact Councilor Dwyer at o.dwyer@townofjayny.gov.
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Photos by Tim Rowland
Contact:
Olivia Dwyer
Councilor, Town of Jay
