COVERT, NY (607NewsNow) – A new state park is finally open.

Nearly four years after talks initially began, Camp Barton is officially welcoming visitors for hiking and nature observation.

The 90-acre property, which was sold to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) for slightly over $5 million last December, is located on the western shore of Cayuga Lake in Seneca County.

In partnership with OPRHP, the former Boy Scout camp will be managed by the Village of Trumansburg and the Towns of Ulysses and Covert on a 10-year agreement. The agreement includes a 10-year renewal option.

The Town of Covert recently built a new bridge to the north entrance of the property, and OPRHP has completed several safety improvements.

“The Village of Trumansburg is grateful to everyone at NY State Parks who helped turn this vision into a reality, and we are thrilled to see another State Park on Cayuga Lake’s shores,” said Trumansburg Mayor Rordan Hart in an OPRHP release. “Preserving the former Camp Barton site for public access is an incredible benefit for the entire community, and we look forward to working with our local partners in Ulysses and Covert in making this new State Park a success.”

Officials say more recreational activities and events are planned for the State Park in the future.

A formal dedication of the property, including the park name, will come at a later date.