Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

April 09, 2009

Contact:
Press Contact:
Kevin Kieff
315.482.2593

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

• Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site: The Site will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Wescott Beach State Park: "Camper's" swimming beach will be closed (main day-use beach remains open). One of the camping loops (Plateau Area) will be closed for the season.
• Regionwide Park Operating Seasons: A number of parks will open late and/or close early (shortening their seasons by one to three weeks):
• Canoe Point, Cedar Island, DeWolf Creek, Eel Weir, Grass Point, Higley Flow, Long point, and Mary Island will open late (May 22) and close early (September 6).
• Jacques Cartier will open late (May 22) and close early (September 19).
• Whetstone Gulf will open late (May 21) and close early (September 6).
• Cedar Point will open late (May 8).
• Higley Flow will open late (May 15).
• Macomb Reservation will open late (May 22).
• Coles Creek will close early (September 12).