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Albany,
NY – February 2024 / NewsmakerAlert: Governor Kathy Hochul recently
announced state parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails operated
by the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation saw a record 84.1 million visits
in 2023. Total visits statewide surged by nearly 4.7 million, a 6 percent
increase, compared to the previous record year in 2022 – underscoring Governor
Hochul’s commitment to expanding access to parks and outdoor recreation
as the park system marks its 100th anniversary in 2024.
“These
numbers reflect New Yorkers’ strong demand and appreciation for places
to swim, hike, camp, gather with friends and family, and enjoy safe, healthy
recreation,” Governor Hochul said. “As we celebrate the New York State
Park Centennial this year, my administration is committed to keeping this
progress going to ensure New Yorkers have access to world-class recreational
facilities for years to come.”
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Park
Attendance Data Available Here
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Last
year marked the 11th consecutive annual increase in State Park attendance,
and the 4.7 million jump in visits was the highest annual increase on record.
Over the last two decades, state park attendance has climbed steadily,
increasing nearly 60 percent.
State
Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “State Parks is welcoming many
millions more visitors than ever before to see all our improved facilities
have to offer. With continued support from Governor Hochul and the hard
work of our State Parks team, more exciting projects and programs are coming
as we celebrate our State Park Centennial this year, and I am confident
we will keep seeing more visitors, who help drive many local economies
across the state.”
Highlights
of 2023 improvements at State Parks include completing the final phase
of a $47 million multi-year project at Hempstead Lake State Park on Long
Island with new trails, observation areas and resiliency updates; opening
the new $46 million Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center at Niagara Falls
State Park; a new $6.8 million multi-use trail at Allegany State Park;
and $3 million in improvements at Green Lakes State Park in Onondaga County.
Parks
and Trails NY Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “The paths, parking
lots and picnic tables of our world-class state park system have never
been more full. The secret is out: our public lands hold the antidote to
digital overload and the elixir for stronger local economies. Kudos to
Governor Hochul and State Parks for instigating the most virtuous of cycles:
major investment leading to major benefits which in turn spur more demand,
more investment and more benefits.”
Open
Space Institute (OSI) President and CEO Kim Elliman said, “These record-breaking
attendance numbers exemplify the love New Yorkers have for our parks and
outdoor spaces and also demonstrate a clear need for more park and trail
protection and enhancement work to support continually emerging needs.
We applaud the administration for their continued commitment to connecting
people from all backgrounds and experiences to New York’s wonderful natural,
outdoor resources.”
New
York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “Offering
unparalleled beauty and steeped in history, our state parks are the crown
jewels of New York and one of the most admired parks systems in the word.
Add to that their indispensable role in environmental protection and a
slate of world-class educational programs, and it’s no wonder they are
setting attendance records year in and year out. We thank Governor Hochul
for enabling these parks to flourish through robust funding and we congratulate
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid on this fantastic achievement.”
Scenic
Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, “As an organization dedicated to connecting
people to nature and each other, we congratulate Governor Hochul and Commissioner
Kulleseid on an impressive milestone: more than 84 million visitors enjoyed
New York State parks in 2023. That’s more than ever before! We appreciate
the vital role state and local parks, as well as conserved lands, play
in providing all New Yorkers with affordable and inspiring outdoor opportunities.
We’re deeply grateful that Governor Hochul is making continued investment
in our parks a priority and look forward to deepening our partnership at
Sojourner Truth State Park and other properties during this Centennial
anniversary year.”
New
York State Parks also kicked off the celebration of its 100th anniversary
of the creation of the park system in 1924, including a Centennial Challenge,
which encourages visitors to complete 24 activities from a list of 100
to win a prize. Special events are being held in parks across the state
through 2024, and there also is a special Centennial line of merchandise.
Last
week, State Parks launched the digital “Share Your Story” project and invited
the public to share stories, photos, and videos reminiscing on their experiences
at New York State Parks and Historic Sites. The multimedia campaign will
run throughout 2024 in celebration of the Centennial and offers citizens
a chance to celebrate one of New York State’s most significant environmental
and cultural legacies and the role it’s played in their lives.
Governor
Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget proposes $300 million in capital
funding to invest in park improvements, which includes $100 million for
the celebration of the New York State Parks’ Centennial. Projects include
transforming the East Bathhouse at Jones Beach State Park with a sprayground
and learn-to-swim pool; rehabilitating Harriman State Park’s Lake Sebago
Beach, which has been closed since 2011 due to damage from Hurricane Irene;
and building a swimming area at Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster County.
Governor Hochul has also directed State Parks to more than double the number
of pools and beaches where lifeguards offer water safety instruction programs
for children.
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New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP)
oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails
and boat launches, which were visited by a record 79.5 million people in
2022. A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and
its visitors supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector
jobs and more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information
on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit NYS
Parks website, connect with us on Facebook,
or follow on Instagram
and Twitter. The free New
York State Parks Explorer mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices.
To download, visit: Google
Play Store, NY State Parks Explorer App or Apple
Store, NY State Parks Explorer App.
Source
Document
Media
Contact:
Dan
Keefe
Public
Information Officer
518-486-1868
news@parks.ny.gov |
