In The News

March, 2016

Victor Hiking Trails Plans for Next Steps

In September 1991 there was one town park with a few miles of trails that were maintained by the Town of Victor Water Department. Thanks to the hard work of many, there are now more than 55 miles of maintained, non-motorized trails throughout the town and village.

Prepare Roads for Walkers, Bicyclists

The recent article, “Road still takes grim toll,” Feb. 21, demonstrates “car-centric” thinking that prioritizes the convenience of motor vehicle transportation over our collective safety, quality of life and health.

February, 2016

Crumbling Falls Bridges Overdue for Repair

The Buffalo News

PTNY's Robin Dropkin is quoted in this piece about the potential "shutting off" of the water on the American side of Niagara Falls in order to repair the crumbling stone arch bridges. The condition of the bridges are a testament to the backlog of projects that had characterized our state park system, and is now experiencing a resurgence of improvements.

January, 2016

NY looks to boost tourism, craft breweries

PressConnects, Press & Sun-Bulletin

The important role parks play in New York's tourism industry is supported in a quote by PTNY's Executive Director, Robin Dropkin, in this piece about Cuomo's 2016 budget's investment in the industry.

Parks group hails Cuomo's environmental protection fund plan

News10.com

Parks and Trails New York applauds Cuomo's announcement that he wants to add another $123 million to the Environmental Protection Fund, making a total of $300 million available to protect the environment and support parks, trails and farms.

December, 2015

Letter: Bike riders need protected lanes

Albany Times Union

A letter to the editor from our Executive Director, Robin Dropkin, in support of the continued discussion in the City of Albany to install its first protected bike lanes along a heavily-traveled stretch of Madison Avenue.

Coalition of New York groups makes new push to reauthorize federal Land and Water Conservation Fund

Glens Falls Post Star

Environmental and conservation groups as well as New York House Republicans are advocating for the program that provides funding to states to purchase land or conservation easements, and for parks and playgrounds.

November, 2015

Letchworth, Niagara Falls benefiting from investments in state parks

WBFO 88.7

A Buffalo radio station interviewed PTNY's Robin Dropkin about the visible signs of progress being made on much needed improvements in Western New York state parks.

New York State Parks, After Years of Decline, Receive Infusion of Cash and Care

New York Times

PTNY is mentioned and quoted in this optimistic piece about the improving conditions of New York State Parks.

October, 2015

Cycle the Erie: Fort Stanwix, Rome, Brings Revolutionary War Era to Life

The Island Now

The Cycle the Erie bike tour, 400 miles from Buffalo to Albany organized through Parks & Trails NY, takes us back to the very beginning of the United States, to its colonial days and its emergence as an independent nation.

September, 2015

Schenectady roundtable focuses on growing bicycle tourism market

The Daily Gazette

Organized by Parks and Trails New York and the New York State Canal Corp., the meeting’s aim was to find ways to help Schenectady capitalize on the growing bicycle tourist market. About 30 people attended the meeting, including cyclists, bicycle salespeople, a representative from the hospitality industry, representatives from Schenectady’s planning and engineering departments, the economic development supervisor for Schoharie County and a transportation planner from the Capital District Transportation Committee.

State Parks Announces $500,000 Available to Help Grassroots Groups Improve State Parks, Trails and Historic Sites

LongIsland.com

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced that $500,000 in grants are now available to help organizations to improve State parks, trails and historic sites.

PTNY staff transforms downtown Albany parking space

Albany Times Union

Parks and Trails New York took over multiple parking spaces on Washington Avenue near the Capitol, using art to convert them temporarily into a campground setting bordered by a segment of the Erie Canalway Trail.

Cyclists pedal Schenectady like tourists

Albany Times Union

Parks & Trails staff participated in a Bike-a-Round through the streets of Schenectady as part of this year's Bicycling Brings Business event. The ride intended to provide a feel of what tourists will experience while riding through the city.

Going Places, Near & Far: Cycle the Erie Canal Tour Affords Extraordinary View of 'Real America'

The Island Now

Karen Rubin, one of over 600 riders on this year's Cycle the Erie Canal Tour, published this colorful account of her experience in this online Long Island news source. Her detailing of the canalway's vibrant history and tourism combined with her personal interactions with the diverse other riders is very encouraging for anyone considering cycling any length of the trail.

Schumer: City parks, waterfronts need more money

Executive Director, Robin Dropkin, spoke on behalf of Parks & Trails New York at the Corning Preserve along Albany's Hudson River waterfront in support of Sen. Charles Schumer's introduction of a bill to address the lack of federal funds that community parks and waterfronts receive.

Letter to the Editor: State parks need citizen stewards

Albany Times Union

A letter commending our state parks from our Director of Parks Program & Government Relations, Laura DiBetta, in response to an August 17th article about the Peerless Pool in Saratoga Spa State Park.

August, 2015

Erie Canal still key to N.Y. economy

A letter to the editor of the Albany Times Union from Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York in response to an article from early August that downplayed the significance of the Erie Canal for New York State.

Erie Canal's value greatly understated

Auburn Citizen (auburnpub.com)

This guest column from an online feature of a Western New York publication addresses the questioning of investment of the Erie Canal by detailing its historic significance and economic impact while quoting figures from a report generated by Parks & Trails New York.

July, 2015

Cyclist celebrates his 80th birthday cycling 80 miles

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

Ralph Wilson celebrated his 80th birthday cycling 80 miles along the Erie Canal, ending on Sunday, 7/19 in Fairport, NY.