Press Release
March 29, 2019
New York State Encourages New Yorkers to Sign Up for the Eighth Annual "I Love My Park" Day
"I Love My Park Day is a great opportunity to give back to our parks and historic sites so that others can continue to enjoy our state's amazing natural treasures," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage New Yorkers to sign up and volunteer at a participating park or historic site in their area to help us protect and preserve our incredible parks system for generations to come."
"Parks are the gems of our communities across New York State, providing children and families with a place to gather, learn, and have fun," 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 sign up and volunteer as part of the eighth annual 'I Love My Park Day' to help cleanup and prepare for the long-awaited summer season."
Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in cleanup events at more than 130 state parks, historic sites and public lands from Long Island to Western New York and covering all regions in between, including sites operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation, the National Park Service and municipal parks. Registration for I Love My Park Day can be completed by visiting https://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day.
Volunteers will celebrate New York's public lands by cleaning up debris, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, removing invasive species and working on various site improvement projects. Members of the New York State Excelsior Conservation Corps, a New York State AmeriCorps program run by the Student Conservation Association, will help State Parks organize and implement I Love My Park Day projects.
Acting State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "This year, we look forward to I Love My Park Day and welcoming the thousands of volunteers whose efforts continue to make our state park system the very best in the nation. I'd like to thank our partners at Parks & Trails New York for organizing this event and expanding the opportunities to give back and promote responsible stewardship.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "More people than ever before are enjoying the beautiful and unique outdoor resources New York State has to offer. I Love My Park Day is a great opportunity for these same visitors to give back and help protect our precious natural resources so that others can experience and enjoy our spectacular landscapes, lush forests, and fish and wildlife."
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin said, "The renaissance of New York's State Park System is a joy to behold, as is the demonstration of love and support by friends and volunteers for the annual I Love My Park Day. I Love My Park Day not only includes state parks and historic sites, but also public lands and campgrounds managed by NYS DEC and National Park sites. So there are even more opportunities to give back to treasured outdoor places in every part of the state."
Senator José Serrano, Chair of Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation said, "In 2018, a record-breaking 74 million visitors showed just how much they love their State Parks and the countless recreational opportunities they offer. I Love My Park Day is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in beautifying and preserving our beloved parks, historic sites, and campgrounds. I encourage all New Yorkers and their families to join their neighbors in giving back and protecting our natural treasures for future generations."
Assembly Member Danny O'Donnell, Chair of the Arts and Tourism Committee said, "I encourage New Yorkers who use and love their parks to give back by pitching in at this year's 'I Love My Park Day.' With many different projects and events across New York, there are many ways to participate."
I Love My Park Day complements Governor Cuomo's effort to revitalize and transform the state park system. The Governor's NY Parks 2020 program is a multi-year commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020. The 2019 Executive Budget commits $110 million toward this initiative.
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 74 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. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.