Program Overview
Ladders to the Outdoors (LTO) is a program of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) with the mission to strengthen community outreach to youth and expand inclusive and equitable access to the outdoors, including recreational spaces, equipment and skills development, through planning and providing free programs and activities in NY state park facilities such as swimming, hiking, biking, boating, camping, sports, and environmental education. LTO works closely with schools, youth organizations and community-based non-profits in underserved areas to connect kids with state parks, encourage fun and active outdoor recreation, and foster a lifelong love of the outdoors. The mission of LTO is to remove barriers to access, so participation in all programs is free. Transportation is provided to state park and historical sites through Connect Kids to Parks and equipment is provided at the parks for use by LTO program participants.
Niagara
The New York State Parks Ladders to the Outdoors program began in 2020 with a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation (Wilson Foundation) to the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) with the mission to connect youth from the region’s underserved communities to outdoor recreation opportunities within state parks in Western New York. Funding from the first Wilson Foundation grant supported development of the LTO program in the WNY region from the ground up including the purchase of all recreational equipment used by program participants; improvements to park youth athletic facilities and playgrounds; marketing and outreach; and the position of LTO Coordinator to develop programming and partnerships.
Sponsored by:
Central
Ladders to the Outdoors expansion in CNY was supported with grants from the Gifford Foundation and CNY Community Foundation in 2023. The support from Central region partners has allowed the program to provide outdoor education, camping and recreation experiences for local organizations. The region also constructed the first LTO camping area. The construction of a cabin and camping area at Green Lakes State Park has been a cornerstone of the program's expansion. By renovating an existing cabin and purchasing a new one, LTO has created a safe and comfortable space for urban youth to experience camping for the first time near the city of Syracuse.
Sponsored by:
Learn more about Ladders to the Outdoors
Helping the Next Generation Foster Lifelong Relationships with the Outdoors
Contacts
KeJuan Harmon, Statewide Ladders to the Outdoors Coordinator
Email: KeJuan.Harmon@parks.ny.gov
Phone: 716-225-0389
Fasha Antonio, Niagara Region Ladders to the Outdoors Coordinator
Email: Fasha.Antonio@parks.ny.gov
Phone: 716-638-7115
Staffon Donerlson, Central Region Ladders to the Outdoors Coordinator
Email: Staffon.Donerlson@parks.ny.gov
Phone: 315-630-8842
Donate to Ladders to the Outdoors
For available programming opportunities, please click on “Learn More” or reach out to regional staff noted above. Learn More