Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

April 09, 2009

Contact:
Press Contact:
Alane Ball-Chinian
518.584-2000

State Parks Announces 2009-10 Operating Schedule Changes for the Saratoga-Capital 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 Saratoga-Capital 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 Saratoga-Capital Region are outlined below.

• Cherry Plain State Park: Swimming beach closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Campground will open late (July 4) and close early (September 7).
• Grafton Lakes State Park: Swimming beach closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• Max V. Shaul State Park: Campground will have a shortened season. Open for Memorial Day Weekend only, and then reopening from July 4 through Labor Day.
• Peebles Island State Park: Visitor Center closed Mondays and Tuesdays (previously open 6 days/week).
• Saratoga Spa State Park: The Peerless swimming pool will be closed Tuesdays (Victoria swimming pool will remain open seven days / week).
• Thompson Lake State Park: Swimming beach closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Historic Site Reductions. Shortened seasons, reduced hours of operations, and/or reduced programming at Crown Point, Johnson Hall, Schuyler Mansion, and Bennington Battlefield State Historic Sites.

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