Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

April 09, 2009

Contact:
Press Contact:
Rob Hiltbrand
315.492.1756

State Parks Announces 2009-10 Operating Schedule Changes for the Central Region

Park Patrons Urged to Take Note of Changes in Hours for Beaches, Campgrounds

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced changes in the 2009-10 operating schedules at a number of parks and historic sites in the Central Region. The changes reflect a reduction in state spending at parks and historic sites.

"State Parks, like all state agencies, is responding to the current economic realities. We have been charged with making many difficult decisions and the changes we announce today are among them," said Commissioner Carol Ash.

"By concentrating the changes to the shoulder seasons, off-peak hours or facilities where similar services are available nearby, we hope to minimize the impact on our patrons," said Ash.

While approximately 100 parks and historic sites across the state will see some reduction in services, Ash noted that no parks have been closed in full, and the daily entrance fee to the parks is unchanged. In addition, a number of changes coincide with park repair and rehabilitation projects.

Changes for the Central Region are outlined below.

• Glimmerglass State Park: Winter tubing program will not operate during the winter of 2009-10, and primitive winter camping will be discontinued.
• Hunts Pond State Park: Campground closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Oquaga Creek State Park: The park and swimming beach will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The campground will be closed Monday through Wednesday.
• Pixley Falls State Park: Campground closed for 2009 (note: this facility is slated for a bridge replacement).
• Selkirk Shores State Park: The swimming beach will open late (June 19) and will be closed Monday through Thursday (open Friday through Sunday only). Sandy Island Beach will open for swimming on weekends only beginning May 23 and is open daily beginning June 19.
• Regional Campsites. All campgrounds will operate under reduced shortened seasons (typically shortened by two to four weeks). All campgrounds will open on May 15th (one to two weeks late for some facilities, except five weeks late for Chenango Valley). All campgrounds will close on Columbus Day (except Selkirk Shores will remain open through October 17th).
• Regional Historic Sites. Herkimer Home & Lorenzo State Historic Site will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays except holidays (previously the sites were closed on Mondays only). Fort Ontario, Herkimer Home, and Lorenzo State Historic Sites will close on October 18 (two weeks early). The Lorenzo winter holiday program will be shortened to 5 days (previously an 18 day event). Note: all sites are open for tours by appointment.

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