I Love My Park Day - May 5, 2012
Thanks to the thousands of volunteers who pitched in on Saturday, May 5, the first-ever I Love My Park Day was a huge success.
Parks & Trails New York organized I Love My Park Day, in partnership with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), to improve and enhance state parks and historic sites; boost volunteerism; and raise the visibility of the entire state parks system and its needs.
Improvements and beautification projects
Volunteers took part in dozens of cleanup, improvement, and beautification projects at 40 state parks and historic sites around the state. At Allegany State Park, volunteers and park staff worked together to restore the historic Sweetwater Spring. At Midway State Park, young and old gave the historic buildings and rides a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. At FDR State Park, volunteers – including Governor Cuomo – put together dozens of new picnic tables.
Headlines tout love for parks
Governor Cuomo’s participation and invitation to all New Yorkers to volunteer on Saturday put our state parks system, its needs, and the strong public support for parks in the public’s eye. The event even went national -- PTNY Executive Director Robin Dropkin was interviewed on The Weather Channel!
Boost to volunteerism
New volunteers came out to give back to the parks they use and enjoy all year and create a community of park stewards. Many park and historic site friends groups enjoyed the best turnout ever for a volunteer event.
What’s Next
Together, we will build on the tremendous momentum generated by I Love My Park Day. PTNY will be working with OPRHP and friends groups to build on the success of the event by engaging new volunteers, building a strong community of park lovers, and expanding friends groups’ capacity.
A big thank you our sponsors and everyone who came out, rolled up their sleeves, and helped make I Love My Park Day a huge success!
Parks Gain in State Budget
Thanks to the efforts of park advocates, the final budget includes $89 million for capital improvements at state parks and state historic sites in every region of the state (see the complete list of projects). This historic infusion of capital will bring jobs and address critical needs in our state park system, things like replacing aging water and sewer lines and repairing bridges, roads and swimming pools.
The final budget also maintains the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $134 million. The EPF pays for programs that protect valuable natural resources, local parks, and more. While we are disappointed that a proposal to enhance the EPF was not included in the final budget agreement, we will continue to work with state lawmakers to see environmental funding enhanced.
Clean Sweep a Great Success
 Over 1,000 volunteers from across the state celebrated the annual Erie Canal Canal Clean Sweep, the state-wide clean-up of the NYS Canal System. Check our event page for information on events to be held in coming weeks.
Register today for
2012 Bike Tours
Cycling the Erie Canal, July 8-15
Everyone’s heard about it. This is the year to be part of it.
Join us for the 14th annual Cycling the Erie Canal bike tour.
Great Hudson Valley Pedal, July 31-August 5
Experience the magnificent Hudson Valley and five fabulous bridge crossings on the eighth annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal ..
New transportation bill delayed again
Invite your Representative to visit a trail!
House members are key to the future of funding for trails. As the March 31st deadline loomed, the House wasn’t able to pass a new federal transportation bill so Congress agreed to a 90-day extension of SAFETEA-LU. This is the ninth extension since the act expired in 2009. It is unclear what will happen as the House majority doesn’t appear interested in passing the two-year $109 billion transportation bill approved by the Senate. While not perfect, this bill at least preserves some funding for infrastructure that supports bicycling and walking.
We can’t take our eye off the ball now! Your Representatives need to hear from you! Invite them to a trail event and keep reminding them of how important Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trails programs are to the local economy, community revitalization, quality of life, healthy physical activity, and alternative transportation. Urge them to ensure these programs are included in the next transportation legislation.
Are you an Erie Canalway Trail
End-to-Ender?
Have you biked or walked the Erie Canalway Trail between Buffalo and Albany? We want to recognize and reward your achievement. Register now for an End-to-End decal, and inclusion on our End-to-Ender Honor Roll and be sure to tell us about your experience!
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