The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Historic 78 million visited State parks in 2020
NEW YORK » Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced New York’s State parks, historic sites, campgrounds, and trails welcomed a record-setting 78 million visits in 2020. The milestone marks nine years of steady visitor growth and represents an overall increase of 34 percent, or more than 20 million visitors since the Governor took office in 2011.
“In 2020, our State parks became an even more critical resource than before as New Yorkers sought safe places for solace, exercise and relief from the pandemic,” Cuomo said.
“New York remains fully committed to the continued modernization of our parks system, and with the recent completion of the 750-mile Empire State Trail, we are ensuring New Yorkers and visitors alike, have unparalleled recreational opportunities, especially during these unprecedented times,” Cuomo explained.
“In what has been a tremendously difficult year, our State parks have remained open for residents and visitors to enjoy, get out of the house and stay active,” Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul remarked.
“As we reimagine New York for
the post-pandemic future, we will continue to improve our State parks to not only provide more recreational opportunities for New Yorkers, but also boost our local downtowns and regional tourism economies across the State,” Hochul noted.
New York State Parks saw estimated visitation grow from the previous record of 77.1 million visits in 2019 to 78 million in 2020. The increase was driven by unprecedented visitation in the spring and fall, as New Yorkers turned to nearby State parks, trails and historic sites to escape the pandemic. Visitation during the summer, typically the busiest time in the park system, was held in check as State park beaches, pools, historic sites and trailheads operated with reduced capacity limits put in place to protect visitor health and promote social distancing. Attendance at some of the park system’s traditionally most popular destinations was also impacted by limits on out-of-state and international visitors; cancelation of large concerts, festivals and events; and public messages urging people to recreate locally.
Continued improvements made through the Governor’s NY Parks 2020 Plan promoted healthy outdoor recreation and encouraged families and visitors to explore State Parks. In 2020, new improvements and facilities included: Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center and a revitalized West Games Area at Jones Beach State Park; a new visitor center at Minnewaska State Park, an expanded Purple Heart Hall of Honor, new cottages at Westcott Beach State Park and a new recreation complex at Letchworth State Park.
“Governor Cuomo deserves great credit for ensuring safe and healthy outdoor recreation remained available to New Yorkers during 2020. As other park systems were closing at the start of the pandemic, Governor Cuomo focused on taking the necessary precautions to open them safely. Our state parks and open spaces proved to be true sanctuaries for people to escape inactivity and isolation during this difficult year,” Erik Kulleseid, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation stated.
“New York’s State Parks system has long offered compelling attractions for visitors and residents alike in a safe and socially responsible setting. Last year provided families with the perfect opportunity to rediscover the natural beauty and world-class amenities of our State Parks in their own backyard, and more visitors than ever before chose to experience what people from around the world have raved about for years,” New York State Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi added.
Building on the success of the NY Parks 2020 initiative, Governor Cuomo announced in his 2021 State of the State agenda that New York will launch NY Parks 100, renewing the historic commitment to investing and expanding the State park system by committing at least $440 million over the next four years.
This critical period of revitalization will culminate in the 2024 celebration of the 100th anniversary of the State Park Act, which first created our nation-leading State park system in 1924 under Governor Al Smith. NY Parks 100 will continue crucial investments in park infrastructure while enhancing opportunities to reach the full range of New York State’s recreational and cultural offerings, including local parks and trails, regional flagship parks and historic sites, and vast wilderness parks. The initiative will focus on creating places to recreate locally, relieving overcrowded parks, welcoming new visitors, and protecting New York State’s environmental and historic legacy.
This new plan will ensure people from all communities and across all ages and abilities can fully experience our outdoors, our culture, and our heritage.