Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled a seven-point framework of the NY Parks 2020 Plan that will leverage approximately $900 million in public and private funding to modernize the State park system.
The announcement was made on Monday, March 2, but NY Parks 2020 was previewed in the Governor’s Opportunity Agenda.
The plan is part of a multi-year commitment since 2011 to restore facilities, enhance visitor experience, update signage and create better access for tourists at parks across the State.
The 2015-16 Executive Budget adds $110 million toward this initiative.
“New York State is home to some of the best outdoor recreation areas in the nation—and this investment will help maintain them in peak condition and enhance the experience for all of our park’s visitors,” Governor Cuomo said.
Among its objectives, this multi-year NY Parks 2020 plan will target investments to projects that promote healthy, active outdoor recreation.
It will also leverage the tourism impact of State Parks to energize local economies.
It ensures that people from all walks of life have opportunities to connect with parks.
And it replaces well used but worn out public use facilities and critical infrastructure that have been neglected too long;
The framework for achieving the plan’s strategies includes:
• Modernizing and refurbishing campgrounds and cabins, bathhouses, contact stations and picnic pavilions.
• Undertaking projects that prevent the invasive species, improve storm resiliency and implement energy efficiency initiatives that make state parks a model of sustainability; and
• Developing partnerships that enhance visitor services such as restaurants and cultural facilities, and
• Hosting more recreational and cultural events that promote New York’s tourism assets.
“NY Parks 2020 guarantees our greatest natural treasures will be sources of pride, community vitality and economic strength for the next generation of New Yorkers,” said Executive Director of the Open Space Institute’s Alliance for New York State Parks Program Erik Kulleseid.
