Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that Springdale Farm has been named one of AAA’s “Top 10 Hidden Gems” of Western New York. Springdale Farm is located in Northampton Park in Ogden and is owned by Monroe County and operated by Heritage Christian Services.

“Springdale Farm has long been one of Monroe County’s most popular attractions and continues to educate and entertain tens of thousands of visitors annually,” said Brooks. “By being named one of AAA’s ‘Top 10 Hidden Gems,’ I’m sure that even more community members and visitors will visit this one-of-a-kind facility.”

Springdale Farm is prominently featured in AAA’s publications and on the company’s website (http://wcny.aaa.com).  AAA recognized Springdale for many of its unique features, including the Riedman Robotic Milking Center. The machine-operated milking system opened in 2004 and is the first robotic milking parlor in the Northeast to be opened to the public.

Springdale Farm features 200 acres that house a working dairy barn, friendly animals, interactive exhibits, nature trails, a pond and a picnic area and playground. Through its public/private partnership with Monroe County, Heritage Christian Services, local foundations and supporters, the farm serves the public as a recognized agricultural education center.

Springdale was established as a private farm in 1830 and was sold to Monroe County in 1960. Recognizing the value of education and community involvement for adults with developmental disabilities, Heritage Christian Services assumed the operation of Springdale Farm in 1993. 

Today, the farm provides meaningful work opportunities for men and women with developmental disabilities who tend to the animals and the grounds and greet visitors. Springdale Farm is open to the public and hosts 40,000 guests each year.