How 10 years of PTPG has encouraged youth across the state to take a break from their phones and and enjoy the outdoors
Getting outside has always been one of the simplest ways to learn, move, and just have fun.
Across New York’s state parks and historic sites, projects supported by Park and Trail Partnership Grants are helping to get more kids outside and enjoying time in nature. That same idea shows up in New York’s “Get Offline and Get Outside” initiative, introduced in the summer of 2024, which encourages young people to balance their time and make space for outdoor experiences.
These projects take a lot of different forms. Some create immediate “wow” moments through events, equipment, and infrastructure, while others build a lasting foundation through outdoor education and hands-on learning. Together, these efforts nurture meaningful, long-term relationships between young people and the natural world.
Learning in the Park — Rockland Lake & Hook Mountain
The Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain launched the “Learning in the Park” program, along with an Outdoor Laboratory curriculum that explores geologic history through the lens of the park. This initiative gives students hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to the natural world.
Outdoor Classroom Expansion — Caumsett State Historic Park
In 2017 and 2018,The Caumsett Foundation adapted an existing building on Long Island’s north shore to create classroom space and an open courtyard. This expansion supports the growing number of school groups using the park as an outdoor classroom, welcoming thousands of new students.
Nature Center Enhancements — Statewide
PTPG funding has supported the creation and renovation of nature centers across New York State, providing accessible entry points to outdoor exploration.
- Minna Anthony Common Nature Center: New forest ecology exhibits and interactive trail maps.
- Clark Reservation: Updated interpretive materials and upgraded display cases.
- Thacher Nature Center: Ongoing major renovation with improved accessibility for visitors of all abilities.
Winter Recreation Access — Chenango Valley State Park
The Friends of Chenango Valley enhanced winter outdoor access by purchasing snowshoes in multiple sizes, encouraging youth and families to stay active during colder months. Additional funding supported improvements to fencing and ballfield infrastructure for year-round recreation.
Kayak Access Improvements — Moreau Lake State Park
Friends groups at Moreau Lake State Park used grant funding in 2018 to build kayak racks, making paddling more accessible and organized for visitors.
Staff-Led Outdoor Programming — Grafton Lakes State Park
In 2022 and 2023, the Friends of Grafton Lakes provided extensive staff-led programming and guided outings, helping individuals and groups engage more deeply with outdoor activities.
Mini-Golf Promotion — Midway State Park
The Friends of Midway State Park used funding from the inaugural PTPG round to promote the park’s mini-golf course located within one of the only amusement parks in the New York State Park system.
As interest in outdoor engagement competes with an increasingly high-tech world, we continue to invest in programs like PTPG. These initiatives help draw attention away from digital screens and toward the active, analog experiences that nature provides.