Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

June 01, 2007

For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
Catherine Jimenez
518.486.1868

State Parks Anticipates Strong Summer Season

More than 1.5 Million Patrons Enjoy Popular Travel Destinations Across State

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash today announced that more that 1.5 million patrons visited State Parks over the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend indicating a strong start to the summer season.

"Each year New York welcomes millions of visitors to enjoy our wonderful natural, recreational and historic resources that provide incomparable tourism opportunities," said Ash. "Whether you prefer hiking one of our winding wooded trails, boating or fishing on spectacular waterways, or taking a journey back in time at one of our historic sites, you will enjoy the exceptional summer opportunities that our state parks and historic sites have to offer."

Traditionally, the month of May marks the beginning of the summer recreational season when visitors and residents plan vacations and excursions to enjoy the diverse natural resources that the state has to offer. New York State Parks encompasses more than 325,000 acres that includes hiking trails, nature centers, historic sites and other recreation facilities.

State Parks also offer more than 8,000 campsites as well as cabins and full-service cottages, at affordable prices. For the first time this season, reservations are accepted to state park campsites and cabins up to one day in advance of the planned arrival date, allowing for a confirmed site for last minute camping trips.

Ash noted that with the new system in place, advance reservations leading into the Memorial Weekend increased from last year.

In addition to camping facilities, New York State operates 29 golf courses statewide including the recently acquired Indian Hills Golf Course in Steuben County and the championship course at Long Island's Bethpage Black, site of the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Open.

Throughout the summer season, park facilities across the state host special summer events including environmental and interpretive programs, fairs, festivals and sporting events. Patrons can purchase the Empire Passport and receive unlimited day use vehicle entry at most of New York's State Parks and recreational facilities.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks, 35 state historic sites, 77 beaches, 29 golf courses, 27 marinas, 18 nature centers and more than 8,300 campsites. For more information on any of these recreation areas please call (518) 474-0456 or visit the web site at http://www.nysparks.com.

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