Inside Cortland Country Music Park

For almost 40 years, the Cortland Country Music Park in Cortland New York has been entertaining masses of people in a serene park setting. The Cortland Country Music Park is a nonprofit all volunteer organization that has a huge heart for country music in the Southern Tier.

The park is the result of a dream of a local musician, named Merlin Reynolds. Merlin envisioned a locally based Hall of Fame for country musicians from New York State. Our friend Kaitlyn Jackson was honored last year.

Merlin’s dream became a reality when Lake Mary Campgrounds went bankrupt in 1984 and with the influence and had substantial financial backing of Dr. John Eckel and his wife Loretta who purchased the property.

When the campgrounds was purchased, there were about 5 campsites with no water or electric, (now 106 with water and electric on most), one A-Frame house in very bad condition, now the home of the Hall of Fame, a very dirty pond, and a pole barn with overhead doors and a dirt floor that stored campers, now it's the site of the Opry Barn, which for me, brings back wonderful memories of the set of Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, the mother church of country music, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.

With the voluntary hard work of all the members and friends of the park, improvements to the existing buildings were made into the wonderful facility you see today. Along with the buildings, the campground was improved and an outdoor stage was added for larger events.

Though the years many of the biggest names of country music have played the Cortland Country Music Park, including the legendary Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Kitty Wells and Roy Clark. Many of the stars that have played there have left some personal items that are on display in the park.

Throughout it's near 40 year history, the park has honored 98.1 The Hawk for it's contribution to country music. Back in the late 80's when I hosted the 'Yesteryear Today' on the Hawk, they were kind enough to vote me as "DJ of the Year," a plaque that still brings back fine memories as it hangs in my office at the Hawk studios. A great honor.

This weekend has some great entertainment with Dirt Road Express playing Saturday October 24th from 7-11pm featuring round and square dancing. Sunday October 25th is the 39th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Dance featuring Doc Weismore with Real Country from Noon-6pm and I understand the best chicken 'n biscuits around!

The Cortland Country Music Park is an easy drive off I-81 on Route 13 Cortland and is always a beautiful and entertaining visit.