Press Release
March 31, 2008
For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
Dan Keefe
518.486.1868
New York State Parks to Hold Public Workshops on Trail Use
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash announced today that the agency will hold a series of five public workshops across the state on the topic of trail development. Ash added that the public meetings will be held in conjunction with Parks & Trails New York, a statewide non-profit organization.
"Throughout the state, hundreds of miles of trails from abandoned railroad corridors, canal towpaths and other historic corridors, have the potential to be transformed into recreational trails that connect communities. Creating these multi-use, connective trails is an important initiative of State Parks, and we look forward to working with local communities to make this vision a reality," Ash said.
Ash said that the purpose of the public workshops is to provide the public, regional planning organizations and public officials with an opportunity to review inventory and mapping work completed by the agency; offer information on new opportunities to create connections between communities, parks, and ecological communities and express a vision for trails in their area.
Ash added, "New trail connections not only provide recreational opportunities, but also provide sustainable transportation alternatives, quiet economic contributors to the community, and create green corridors to connect ecological communities."
"Trails are an integral part of New York's green infrastructure, encouraging people to be more physically active, protecting our water and wildlife, providing close-to-home recreation, and bringing tourists and visitors to communities," said Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York. "We encourage local citizens and government representatives, plus the members of the state's hundreds of trail groups, to attend these meetings and help shape a vision for trails in New York State."
The regional workshops are scheduled as follows:
Monday, April 14, 2008
6:00 pm
SUNY Geneseo
For directions and a campus map:
http://www.geneseo.edu/CMS/display.php?page=3716&dpt=csse
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
6:00 pm
Woodlawn Beach State Park
Woodlawn Beach Nature Center
Monday, April 21, 2008
6:00 pm
Bear Mountain State Park
Overlook Lodge
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
6:00 pm
Saratoga State Park
Saratoga Administration Building
Gideon Putnam Room
Monday, April 28, 2008
6:00 pm
Green Lakes State Park
Green Lakes Clubhouse Meeting Room