Missing: Most Important Feature of Round Top Park

Some Endicott residents say something valuable has disappeared from a small but much-loved park in the village.

The Round Top Picnic area on a hill just east of En-Joie Golf Club for several decades featured a stunning view of Endicott, Vestal and the Susquehanna River.

But in recent years, most of that view has been obscured by trees and shrubs.

An Endicott police officer recently pointed out the obscured area to a visitor, recalling the many times he had visited the park and enjoyed the view when he was growing up in the village.

Long-time Endicott resident George "Woody" Miller has been working for more than two years to get the view restored.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program on Wednesday, Miller said there are many historic pictures that reveal the magnificent view people once enjoyed from parked vehicles at Round Top. But the growth of trees in recent years has gradually taken a toll.

George F. Johnson, the founder of the Endicott Johnson shoe company, was reported to be fond of the view from the top of the hill.

Miller said he has written to Endicott Mayor John Bertoni and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo to seek their help in getting the trees cleared.

The village turned the park over to Broome County more than three decades ago. It could not immediately be determined whether county crews had routinely cleared trees in the past to preserve the view from Round Top.

The Broome County website describes the park as "offering spectacular views looking to the east and west through the Susquehanna River Valley."

County parks commissioner Matthew Gawors was not available to discuss the status of the park or whether workers would be able to do some clearing work at the site.

One woman who has been a regular park visitor for years said letting the Round Top view vanish is "like taking the torch off the Statue of Liberty."

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