Park Updates from Around the State
This Fall, Parks & Trails New York hosted four virtual regional gatherings for Friends group. These meetings were a way for State Parks, PTNY and Friends groups to share information, hear updates and crowdsource solutions to issues they may be experiencing.
State Parks Commissioner Kulleseid, in his introductory remarks, lauded the work of Friends groups.
“This has been a year unlike any other. We have had to deal with situations that none of us would have chosen. Yet, we are neck-in-neck with last year to approach and exceed last year’s visitation record. Patrons are coming to the parks in droves, our staff remains incredibly dedicated, and this difficult time is proving that parks are vital places. Regarding the future—it is not clear where we’re going but I know that no matter what, our Friends will be there to help us out and get us through. Thank you to all our Friends groups for what you do for our parks. You are ambassadors and because of you, our parks are more friendly, welcome, and inviting for all.”
We were fortunate to have the directors from each park region participate and provide updates and insights into the important work happening in their corners of the state.
Below are highlights from each park region.
Allegany – Though much of the site was closed this year due to public health restrictions, Midway State Park saw a great deal of activity. A new $300,000 train-themed playground, reflecting the park’s origins as a 19th century “trolley park,” has been completed and opened to the public.The Friends group raised nearly $20,000 to support the rehabilitation and installation of more historic amusement rides, including a vintage Ferris wheel and mid-century twister ride, as well as some smaller additions such as new arcade games.
Capital Region/Saratoga – The historic Roosevelt II Bathhouse at Saratoga Spa State Park, which first opened in 1935, was reopened this summer as part of a $2.3 million transformational project that is restoring and improving upon the grandeur of the Roosevelt Baths. Part of the NY Parks 2020 initiative, the Bathhouse's historic lobby has been restored, new restrooms installed, and programming space added. The new programming space is slated for a planned artistic and wellness center, which will be operated by a local non-profit, and retreat experiences and classes in personal well-being, leadership, meditation, professional wellness training, and work-life balance. The remaining 12,000 feet will be redeveloped in conjunction with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Central – Green Lakes State Park, the flagship park destination of the Central Region, added 160 additional acres, acquired from the Sisters of St. Francis of Neumann Communities for $1.2 million. The new acreage surrounds Green Lakes on three sides and will remain a natural area with open field habitat and an expanded trail network.The expansion is just one aspect of a larger land protection initiative encompassing more than 760 acres in Central New York and the Southern Tier.
Finger Lakes – Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Fair Haven Beach State Park, has repeatedly suffered from high water and flooding over the past three years. The project, which is supported by the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (R.E.D.I.) spearheaded by the Governor, has restored parking capacity that had been damaged. The upcoming second will restore dunes with native species and construct a new 275-foot boardwalk that includes educational and interpretive signage.
Genesee – In an effort to address major flooding and culvert issues, the Genesee Valley Greenway is currently undergoing a significant resurfacing project. The trail is currently closed from Rt. 5 in Avon in Livingston County to the south end of Canawaugus Park in Village of Scottsville in Monroe County. This resurfacing is Phase 1 of a larger project scheduled to go until May, 2021. Stakeholders, including the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway, regional and headquarters park staff, and Keeler Construction have been “all hands on deck” the last few months to stay on track with this major project.
Long Island – After years of planning, the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center recently celebrated its grand opening. Located on the West End of the park, this energy-zero and environmentally-conscious facility focuses on the interplay between human activity, energy networks, and environmental conservation. Nineteen interior and 13 exterior exhibits combine the most current scientific knowledge about human-driven climate change with dynamic and accessible graphics, videos, and interactive games to showcase how visitors can take action to conserve energy and protect the environment in their own lives. The Center was designed to the highest standards of accessibility and inclusivity, from the architecture to exhibit design, including Spanish, Chinese, ASL, Braille and tactile elements that engage visitors of various ages and abilities.
New York City – On what would have been her 75th birthday, Marsha P. Johnson State Park became the first State Park in New York to honor a LGBTQ person and transgender woman of color. Interpretive signage highlights Marsha's life, including her promotion of LGBTQ rights, key role in the Stonewall Riots, and humane treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. Vibrant public art also graces the park. The establishment of Marsha P. Johnson State Park enhances State Parks’ mission to preserve the state's historic legacies and make parks welcoming to all visitors.
Niagara – In July, the new $6.2 million the Niagara Falls State Park Welcome Plaza was unveiled, capping a park-wide $70 million revitalization effort which began in 2011. A state and national treasure, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the nation, created in 1885, that attracts over 9 million visitors annually. The new Welcome Plaza creates a more seamless connection between the park and the City of Niagara Falls business district and enhances visitors’ experiences through landscaping upgrades, clearer wayfinding signage, uniform park furnishings, enhanced lighting, and improved pedestrian flow.
Palisades – A new, 5,400-square-foot visitor center opened at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve on the Shawangunk Ridge. The modern facility overlooking Lake Minnewaska is designed to welcome and guide the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to explore the 24,000-acre preserve and provide public amenities and education and programming space. Part of Governor Cuomo's Parks 2020 initiative, the visitor center will help visitors navigate the park's expansive network of 50 miles of footpaths and 35 miles of carriage roads, provide educational programs and state-of-the-art exhibits on the park's environment and history, and provide public restrooms and drinking water.
Taconic – A new statue of Sojourner Truth was unveiled at the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park on the 100-year anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement.The 7-foot bronze statue acts as an important reminder of how Sojourner Truth’s legacy as a freed slave, abolitionist, suffragist and champion of justice for all has shaped the history of New York State, and beyond.
Thousand Islands – Southwick Beach State Park and Westcott Beach State Park, on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, received the first major improvements to the popular Thousand Islands beachfront parks in 50 years. Upgrades at Southwick Beach, the busiest day-use park in the Thousand Islands Region, include a new bathhouse and concession building, restored dunes, improved wildlife shoreline habitats, a new wooden boardwalk, and new "green" parking lots that enhance resiliency and protection of water quality. At Westcott Beach, eight new accessible cottages, with fully equipped kitchens and full bathrooms, sit on a bluff with a commanding view of the lake.