The Beat

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.5363/A.5156) designating baseball as the official sport of the state of New York. This bill was proposed by a Cooperstown Elementary School 4th grade class. Cooperstown, NY is the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame and is believed to be the birthplace of the sport. 

"Growing up a Queens boy, a love of baseball was instilled at an early age. From the '69 and '86 Amazin' Mets to 27 world championships by the Yankees and even having been the home of the Dodgers with Jackie Robinson and the Giants, New York is steeped in an expansive and diverse past with our great national past time," Governor Cuomo said. "The fervor of the sport is as reflective of our great state as a sport can be, bringing together diverse crowds for the love of the game. New York is the birthplace of baseball and I'm proud to finally make it our official state sport."…

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is welcoming stick sculpture artist Patrick Dougherty to its campus this August. Over the course of three weeks, Dougherty will bend, weave, snag and flex locally sourced saplings to create a larger-than-life sculpture inspired by The Wild Center, located near Wild Walk. The twisted creation will be completed and opened to the public by Aug. 21, when guests can immerse themselves in the art, walking through the elaborate sculpture.

New Year-Round Education, Community Gathering and Event Space, Concession Areas and Restrooms Welcomes SPAC and Live Nation 2021 Audiences

Photos Available Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the official opening of The Pines@SPAC, a $9.5 million renovation project at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, a world-class arts and culture destination located in Saratoga Spa State Park, that improves visitor services and creates new four-season event space.

"For decades, the Saratoga Spa State Park has attracted visitors from across the state and around the world," Governor Cuomo said. "This project is another major step forward in the renewal of this great park and provides needed renovations to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center that will further cement it as a critical economic and cultural driver in the Capital Region."…

Exciting new family-friendly, low-cost addition to Buffalo’s Waterfront

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Buffalo Waterfront Management Group (BWMG) today announced that the canals at Canalside will be converted into a giant roller rink that will open on August 20 and roll through the fall season to October 31. At more than 30,000 square feet, the Roller Rink at Canalside, in partnership with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, will be the largest outdoor roller-skating rink in New York State.

ADA Accessibility Enhanced at Nation’s First Publicly-Owned State Historic Site

State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid announced today that pathway, accessibility and parking improvements are completed at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, Orange County.

“This project makes the grounds of the nation’s first publicly-owned historic site more open and accessible to all under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to experience a beautiful and historic setting in the Hudson Valley where General Washington made critical decisions that helped shape the new United States,” said Kulleseid. “The headquarters has been state property since 1850, so we are the latest in a line of stewards to preserve this for the coming generations. We are committed to ensuring this inspiring place is welcoming and inclusive to all who visit from America and around the world.” …

Facility for Backstretch Workers Honors Late Philanthropist, Horse Owner and Breeder Marylou Whitney

Photos Available Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of the Marylou Whitney Pavilion at the Saratoga Race Course. The 5,000-square-foot facility will replace a temporary tent used by backstretch workers for functions and dinners at Saratoga. The Pavilion will serve as a permanent structure to be used during the Saratoga Meet for those who live and provide care for horses through the season. Marylou Whitney and her husband John Hendrickson founded the Saratoga Backstretch Appreciation Program, which provides entertainment, food, movies and language instruction to Backstretch workers during the Saratoga Meet.

The Only Major Theme Park to Open in the North East in 40 years!

Orange County, N.Y. (July 9, 2021) – The Orange County Tourism & Film team is incredibly excited to share that LEGOLAND® New York Resort is officially open for fun. The 150-acre park is located in Goshen, New York.

“We are thrilled that LEGOLAND® New York Resort is officially open to all! said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “LEGOLAND® New York Resort will not only benefit Orange County, but it will have a tremendous economic benefit in the Hudson Valley region and the entirety of New York. I know I can’t wait to go explore LEGOLAND® New York Resort!”…

First New Major Theme Park in Northeast in More Than Four Decades  
Highlights Revival of New York's Tourism Industry, Encouraging New Yorkers to Safely Explore Great Destinations Across State 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of the final land to open at LEGOLAND® New York Resort in Goshen, Orange County - the first new major theme park in the Northeast in more than four decades. Developed by Merlin Entertainments, the 150-acre project is the first LEGOLAND® theme park in the Northeast, the third in the United States and the ninth in the world. It features seven LEGO® themed lands, each with its own rides and attractions, and strong educational elements for children ages two to 12 and their families.

Utica, N.Y. - It’s “all aboard” the Adirondack Railroad as train operations are set to begin again this Friday, July 2nd, after almost nineteen months of suspension due to Covid-19.

Excursion trains from Thendara to Otter Lake will start on July 2nd, with trains from Utica to Thendara starting July 10th. On July 23rd, the railroad will start the much-anticipated Beer & Wine Train series featuring live music. The beer and wine trains will run thru mid-October. One of their most popular trains, the Polar Express, will be opening additional seats for all trips this holiday season.

Reservations for Hassle-free Campsites Now Being Accepted

Book Your Reservation Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new partnership between the New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation and Tentrr to provide overnight accommodations through hassle-free campsites alongside New York's Canals this summer. As part of Governor Cuomo's Reimagine the Canals initiative and the recently announced "On the Canals" excursions program, Tentrr created four fully-outfitted campsites for visitors to reserve, most within a short distance of a free "On the Canals" excursion opportunity.