PAT GOGGIN

Patrick Goggin was born July 16, 1943 in Utica, the son of Daniel and Mary Schermerhorn Goggin. He grew up in North Gage, attending a one-room school until finishing his high school years at Poland Central School, Class of 1961.

Growing up as the third eldest of 12 children Pat was brought up to be industrious. During his youth he repaired vehicles with his father and worked on several area farms. After graduation he was employed by Bell Construction Company, Middleville Tannery, Northern Lumber, Borden’s Coffee Plant, and Poland Milk Plant, often holding two jobs at the same time. The Remington Arms Company of Ilion has employed him since 1965.

Pat married Gloria Greiner on October 3, 1964. They have two sons, Wayne and Randy. While his sons were growing up Pat coached AYSO soccer and was active in Booster Club, serving several years as president. Gloria and Pat reside at the northern edge of Poland in a home they built in 1969. During the summer they spend many pleasurable hours at Kayuta Lake.

He is a member of the Village of Poland’s Planning Board, the Newport Horseshoe League, and the Kayuta Lake Association. Pat is a charter member of the recently formed N.Y. ATV Trail Riders’ Association.

But his greatest voluntary time commitment for almost 20 years has been to the creation of an exceptional Kuyahoora Town Park. He is a charter member of the Town Park Committee and is currently president.

In 1984 a small group of concerned residents decided that the Town needed a recreational park. The biggest hindrance was lack of funds. After much hard work the site was developed with federal and state aid, and donations of money, supplies, equipment, and labor.

Pat was instrumental in getting people enthused and involved. Free labor and supplies were essential if the park project was going to succeed. It seems like he spent most of his free time the first year recruiting people to help.

Many hours of physical labor were required to fell the numerous trees that covered the site. Pat remembers one evening when 40 people were throwing logs onto a huge bonfire.

One of Pat’s earliest duties at the park was ordering lumber for the pavilion. Now his volunteer responsibilities at the park include minor repairs and keeping the plumbing in an operational condition.

The country setting is what he likes best about living in the Town of Russia. He is delighted when he sees 100 children playing soccer on the park’s fields. Pat is pleased that one of the goals of the original committee has been achieved, that the park gets used a lot.

He plans on staying on the committee until another goal is realized, to insulate and fully heat the pavilion for year round use. This would enable senior citizens and other groups without a local meeting place somewhere to gather. He would also like to see the soccer field lighted which was another original goal, yet to be achieved due to financial constraints.

One thing Pat regrets is that a lot of people never got recognition for their contributions to the establishment of the park. Without everyone’s concern and diligence no one would be enjoying the athletic fields, playground, pavilion facilities, and the nature trails that combine to make the Kuyahoora Town Park a place enjoyed by many.

Pat is an individual who through a hands-on approach has enhanced the quality of life in the Town by being instrumental in creating an extraordinary Town Park that everyone can be proud of and enjoy.