RECREATION
Cato village is small, yet supports many recreational facilities for its residents. Two outdoor basketball courts have been installed in Mott Park, which are used by youth and young adults while the good weather lasts. Also in the park are a picnic pavilion and childrens playground.
CIMARF Field on the west side of the village supports four baseball diamonds. This field was built, and is run entirely, by volunteers. The facility is used to full capacity from May to September by youth and adult leagues, and is the site of many softball tournaments.
On the south end of Cato is a challenging nine hole golf course open to individuals as well as leagues, and the view from the seventh tee is magnificent.
Cayuga County has taken over the old railroad bed which runs from Cato to Fair Haven. The 18 mile stretch is used for hiking, biking and snowmobiling; the trail should be extended south to Weedsport to connect with the Erie Canal Trail. The old feed mill stands in front of a small pond which would make an ideal bird sanctuary, as it parallels the trail.
Just to the east on Parker's Pond, skeet shooting, duck hunting and fishing are available. We are in the migration path of Canada geese and ducks and the pond is a gathering place for thousands of birds as they head north for the summer. Since the pond has an organic bottom and is in a flood zone, there can be no development along its shores.
A mile to the east at the school is a brand new recreation center with a gym, walking track, Olympic-size pool and a state-of-the-art physical fitness room. The center works very closely with the local doctor in helping to meet the physical therapy needs of patients.
There are several recreational spots within easy driving distance. Little Sodus Bay in Fair Haven has a marina and entry to Lake Ontario, the other Great Lakes, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Fair Haven Beach State Park boasts a beautiful beach for swimming, as well as large picnic and camping areas. Cross Lake, with its marina, gives access to the Seneca River and several of the Finger Lakes. Beaver Lake Nature Center is a great place for family outings and hiking.