Press Release
October 17, 2011
Peter Brancato
Dan Keefe
518-486-1868
Letchworth Park Manager Wins Excellence in Tourism Award
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey congratulated Letchworth State Park Manager Roland Beck on winning the 2011 William Pryor Letchworth Award for Excellence in Tourism. The award is given annually by the Livingston County Tourism Office and the Tourism Advisory Council to an individual or business for efforts to support and promote tourism in Livingston County.
"Congratulations to Roland for this award," said Harvey. "The award is a testament to the kind of hard work and dedication evident throughout the State Parks staff. It's also recognition of how important our parks and parks staff are to New York's economy. I thank Roland for working in partnership with the Livingston County business community to promote tourism and help the region thrive."
In announcing the award, Livingston County Tourism Director Lisa Burns wrote of Beck, "You are a diligent advocate for Letchworth State Park and provide a benchmark for hospitality to visitors and with your support for the Livingston County Tourism Office. As a Tourism Council member you are committed, active and creative in your participation and your collaborative spirit is wholeheartedly respected."
Employed with State Parks since 1977, Beck was appointed Park Manager at Letchworth in June 2004. He has introduced and developed many new special events and programs for Letchworth and works extensively with the local arts council on the Letchworth Arts and Crafts Show, which drew 85,000 people to the park this past Columbus Day weekend. Beck was also a key member of the team that planned the year-long 2006-2007 Letchworth State Park Centennial Celebration, and works closely with the Friends of Letchworth, the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway and numerous snowmobile groups.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers 178 parks and 35 state historic sites. For more information about state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com.