Carl J. Walters Tawasentha Park

A Brief History of …

Carl J. Walters Tawasentha Park

56 Years of Beauty

The Carl J. Walters Tawasentha Park, a 192.5-acre jewel in the center of the Town of Guilderland, was created with the acquisition of two large tracts of land. The Park was named after former Town Supervisor Carl J. Walters in the 1980s after his retirement.  The first tract of 95 acres, making up the main park area, was purchased in 1969. Prior to the town’s purchase, the property had already been enjoyed by many Guilderland residents for swimming, picnicking and other outdoor activities (including a ski slope). The second tract of 97.5 acres, which now contains the Winter Recreation Area and Community Gardens, was purchased in 1989. It is located on both sides of Route 146, just west of the main park.  It had been operated as a dairy farm prior to its purchase.  Tawasentha Park boasts extensive hiking trails, a pool and pool house, ball fields, tennis/pickleball courts and numerous pavilions and picnic areas available for rent through our Parks and Recreation Department.

During the fall of 1975, Al Brevetti and Carl Walters discussed a vision for the arts in Guilderland. At the first annual Guilderland Fall Arts Festival held at Tawasentha Park, they realized the performing arts of music, dance and theater would need a viable space if they were to flourish in the town. By 1978, a committee was organized to investigate the viability of a future Guilderland Performing Arts Center. The plan was presented to the Town Board, receiving enthusiastic support and $5,000 for site preparation. 

In 1979, the site was cleared, drained, graded and seeded. The stage platform would be completed in 1980 and the enclosure and backstage finished in 1985. Funds were raised and “in-kind” contributions were accepted, most notably by Leslie Bender, who provided architectural renderings, and by Armand Quadrini, for construction expertise and resources.  These efforts were collectively known as the “GLA Shell Game,” and yielded excellent results for future generations.

Committee members from 1979 were Armand Quadrini and Don Webster as co-chairs, Jean Todorov as secretary, Kay Turner as treasurer, Al Brevetti, Paul Costin, Donald Cropsey Sr., Michael Cusick, Jane DeRook, Harry DuBrin, Ann Keitel, Elaine Violyn Lizine, Diane Meeusen, Dennis Moore, Joan Randall, John Smircich, Andy Spence and Town Supervisor Carl Walters.

Since then, Tawasentha Park and the Guilderland Performing Arts Center continue to bring outstanding talent in the performing arts to those in and around the Town of Guilderland. GPAC is “by the people and for the people” and is proud to be celebrating its 44th anniversary of providing quality entertainment to the greater Guilderland community.