Press Release
May 04, 2018
New York State Announces $90 Million in NY Parks 2020 Improvement Projects
Progress Report Details $700 Million Investment in State Parks Since 2011
I Love My Park Day on Saturday Celebrates New York's Public Lands
"Our world-class parks system attracts millions of New Yorkers and visitors each year, and this ongoing financial commitment will help ensure these jewels remain in good repair for years to come," Governor Cuomo said. "This investment will continue to make much needed improvements and repairs at cherished State Parks to promote healthy outdoor recreation, preserve our environment and boost local economies."
The projects are part of the Governor's NY Parks 2020 plan, a multi-year commitment to revitalize the state park system. The Governor committed $90 million to the effort in the 2018-19 State Budget. To date, the initiative has invested $700 million in 176 parks and historic sites - including installing 76 playgrounds, conserving 14,000 acres of buffer lands, rehabilitating 200 miles of trails, and beginning the building or improvement of 300 cabins and cottages and 30 nature and cultural centers. Fifty-five percent of the funding has been to repair and improve basic infrastructure—sewer, water systems, roads, bridges, culverts, bathrooms, electrical system and internet connectivity. The initiative is also prioritizing the transformation of 31 flagship parks and parks that served communities that lack access to outdoor recreation—these parks serve 80 percent of the system's visitation. In the same period, park visitation has increased 23 percent to 71 million visitors last year. A new progress report, "Building Better Parks," details how the investment is modernizing and transforming the park system. View the report here.
"Parks are the gems of communities across the State, and this funding will allow for improvements to enhance them for families and children to continue to enjoy," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "New York is home to some of the most beautiful parks and iconic historic sites in the world. I encourage New Yorkers to volunteer as part of 'I Love My Park Day' to help cleanup and prepare for the long awaited summer season."
The announcement comes as thousands of New Yorkers prepare to volunteer for the seventh annual I Love My Park Day, to be held on May 5, 2018 at state parks, historic sites and public lands across New York. The event, sponsored by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Parks & Trails New York, is a statewide event to enhance parks, historic sites and public lands and raise awareness and visibility to the state's outdoor recreation assets and their needs. Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in clean up events at 135 state parks, historic sites and public lands, including sites operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation, the National Park Service and municipal parks. For more information on the nearest I Love My Park Day activities close to home please visit click here.
"Governor Cuomo is leading the way in modernizing the oldest state park system in the nation," State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said. "We have begun reversing years of decline at our historic flagship parks, while expanding recreational access for the communities that have been underserved for too long. Park visitors to Niagara Falls, Watkins Glen, Green Lakes, Roberto Clemente, Jones Beach, Olana, Harriman and many more will see we have touched every corner of the state."
In addition to $70 million in construction projects announced today, the budget provides $20 million for various system-wide improvements, such as investment in signage, technology, natural resource stewardship - and allocates funding for design of future projects, emergencies, engineering and construction oversight.
Chair of the Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee, Senator Rich Funke, said, "As Chair of the Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee, I know that our state parks are a major attraction to residents and tourists. The tourism industry is vital to our state as it brings in $8 billion in revenue per year. I'm relieved to see Rochester and the Finger Lakes region included in the plan to improve popular, historic sites that have a long and rich history in our region and will continue to serve as prime tourist destinations."
Chair of the Assembly Parks and Tourism, Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, said, "Improving our Parks system is paramount to providing safe and welcoming spaces that serve millions of New Yorkers a year. Additionally, our state parks boost local economies by encouraging recreational and nature tourism. New York State's Parks act as anchors for communities to engage with and learn about our environment, serving countless families and adventurers. The state legislature is taking the challenge of modernizing the oldest park system in the nation very seriously, and we are proud to have passed a budget containing $90 million dollars in funding for nearly 50 state parks this year."
Park projects will take place in the following regions:
Capital Region: $3.8 million for 5 parks
Capital Region | Projects | Amount |
Grafton Lakes State Park | Replace Dunham Dam outlet valve | $50,000 |
John B. Thacher State Park | Improve mountain bike trails | $30,000 |
Olana State Historic Site | Continue master plan improvements | $1,000,000 |
Saratoga Spa State Park | Improve SPAC balcony ramps, railings and lighting | $1,750,000 |
Saratoga Spa State Park | Continue rehabilitation of historic campus buildings and grounds | $600,000 |
Saratoga Spa State Park | Improve electric distribution system | $250,000 |
Saratoga Spa State Park | Improve trailheads | $16,000 |
Susan B. Anthony Historic Site | Rehabilitate historic home | $150,000 |
Total | $3.8 million |
Central New York: $3.5 million for 4 parks
Central New York | Projects | Amount |
Fair Haven Beach State Park | Construct and renovate cabins | $1,500,000 |
Green Lakes State Park | Upgrade primary electric system | $400,000 |
Green Lakes State Park | Improve trails | $54,000 |
Lorenzo State Historic Site | Repair and weather seal mansion roof | $400,000 |
Selkirk Shores State Park | Rehabilitate park electrical system | $1,100,000 |
Total | $3.5 million |
Finger Lakes: $2.9 million for 2 parks
Finger Lakes | Projects | Amount |
Hamlin Beach State Park | Replace two campground shower buildings | $700,000 |
Letchworth State Park | Rehabilitate Lower Falls Pool Area | $950,000 |
Letchworth State Park | Rehabilitate Trout Pond and Dam | $500,000 |
Letchworth State Park | Relocate historic CCC St. Helena Shelter | $350,000 |
Letchworth State Park | Rehabilitate Glen Iris Inn - Phase 1 | $275,000 |
Letchworth State Park | Gate Automation | $100,000 |
Total | $2.9 million |
Mid-Hudson Valley: $12.9 million for 10 parks
Mid-Hudson Valley | Projects | Amount |
Bear Mountain State Park | Enhance Appalachian Trail at Trailside Museum and Zoo | $120,000 |
Harriman State Park | Modernize wastewater treatment | $3,250,000 |
Harriman State Park | Continue renovation of Children's Group Camps | $400,000 |
Harriman State Park | Rehabilitate Lake Welch Dam - Low Level Outlet | $130,000 |
Minnewaska Park Preserve | Continue park transformation initiative | $4,000,000 |
Rockland Lake State Park | Upgrade Golf Course | $75,000 |
Rockland Lake State Park | Replace electric transformer | $100,000 |
Fahnestock State Park | Improve water and wastewater system | $250,000 |
Fahnestock State Park | Improve Taconic Outdoor Education Center interpretation | $2,500,000 |
Hudson Highlands State Park | Construct energy and environmental sustainability improvements | $400,000 |
Mills-Norrie State Park | Upgrade electrical distribution system | $1,000,000 |
Taconic Region | Regional septic system improvements | $250,000 |
Taconic State Park | Install new septic systems at Ironworkers Cabin Complex | $300,000 |
Walkway Over The Hudson State Historic Site | Continue annual deck repair and maintenance | $75,000 |
Total | $12.9 million |
Long Island: $16 million for 12 parks
Long Island | Projects | Amount |
Bethpage State Park | Improve golf course | $500,000 |
Caumsett State Historic Site | Transform park entrance | $1,500,000 |
Captree State Park | Design and construct nitrogen reduction system | $450,000 |
Captree State Park | Storm Water Wetlands | $550,000 |
Connetquot River Park Preserve | Upgrade sanitary system | $96,400 |
Connetquot River Park Preserve | Design and construct nitrogen reduction system | $325,000 |
Heckscher State Park | Connect park to municipal sewage treatment system | $330,000 |
Jones Beach State Park | Continue park transformation initiative | $10,000,000 |
Montauk Downs State Park | Upgrade sanitary system | $75,000 |
Orient Beach State Park | Upgrade sanitary system | $55,000 |
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park | Upgrade sanitary system | $90,000 |
Long Island Region | Upgrade regional sanitary systems | $1,000,000 |
Sag Harbor State Park | Upgrade sanitary system | $60,000 |
Sunken Meadow State Park | Improve Field 2 Parking Lot | $1,000,000 |
Total | $16 million |
New York City: $17 million for 4 parks
New York City | Projects | Amount |
Clay Pit Ponds Park Preserve | Improve trails and trail signage | $72,000 |
Brooklyn | Construct new state park on Jamaica Bay | $15,000,000 |
Riverbank State Park | Improve theater and signage | $135,000 |
Roberto Clemente State Park | Replace outdated electrical equipment | $1,800,000 |
Total | $17 million |
North Country: $4.7 million for 3 parks
North Country | Projects | Amount |
Higley Flow State Park | Construct seven replacement restrooms in campgrounds | $1,400,000 |
Long Point State Park | Replace deteriorated campground restroom | $250,000 |
Westcott Beach State Park | Construct ten rental cabins /cottages | $3,000,000 |
Total | $4.7 million |
Southern Tier: $2.7 million for 3 parks
Southern Tier | Projects | Amount |
Chenango Valley State Park | Improve trails | $35,000 |
Robert Treman State Park | Rehabilitate Gorge Trail | $75,000 |
Watkins Glen State Park | Water System Upgrades | $2,600,000 |
Total | $2.7 million |
Western New York: $5.7 million for 4 parks
Western New York | Projects | Amount |
Allegany State Park | Rehabilitate Red House Administration Building, including exterior windows and doors, masonry and drainage | $2,500,000 |
Allegany State Park | Install bear-proof food lockers in park campgrounds | $75,000 |
Allegany State Park | Resurface trail from Thunder Rocks to Little Ireland | $55,000 |
Allegany State Park | Resurface Lower Patterson/Bova Ski Trail | $55,000 |
Allegany State Park | Rehabilitate Horse Trail #11: Camp 10/12 Power Lines Trail | $15,000 |
Earl W. Brydges Artpark | Upgrade electrical distribution system | $300,000 |
Earl W. Brydges Artpark | Upgrade Brick Road lighting | $200,000 |
Evangola State Park | Design and construct new lift station | $225,000 |
Niagara Falls State Park | Continue park revitalization initiative | $1,025,000 |
Niagara Falls State Park | Reconstruct Goat Island Center Road | $1,200,000 |
Total | $5.7 million |
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP.