The Beat

Project More than Doubles the Size of the Pathway atop the Washington Street Stairs just Outside the Poughkeepsie Gates

Photos Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the $2 million East Gate Plaza outside of the Poughkeepsie entrance to the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. The expanded gathering space more than doubles the size of the pathway atop the Washington Street Stairs and provides an ideal location for community events.

"The new East Gate Plaza in Poughkeepsie will serve as a great resource for showcasing local products and enhancing the overall Walkway visitor experience," Governor Hochul said. "The remarkable scenery of the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park continues to attract individuals and families from all over and the new plaza will further highlight the Hudson Valley as a tourist destination."…

New 28,000 square-foot facility to open in Spring 2023 

View Renderings Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the beginning of construction for a new, $46 million state-of-the-art visitor center in Niagara Falls State Park. The new facility will be a gateway to adventure along the Niagara River Corridor, greatly improving the visitor experience, complementing nature, and increasing the length of visits within the park in all four seasons. The newly built center will welcome new and returning sightseers, enhancing awareness of regional recreational and cultural offerings.  …

Lake George, N.Y. – The winter of 2021-22 promises to be unlike no other in the Lake George Area as Ice Castles brings its breathtaking display of sculptures, caverns, ice slides, lighting and more to Charles Wood Park’s Festival Space. 

This fabulous new winter event that has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to numerous communities around the country with breathtaking ice displays, which feature LED lights that change color.

First Trail in U.S. Designed Specifically for Autism Spectrum Disorder Communities and Families

Project Supported By More Than $3.3 Million in Private Funds

Photos Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the nation's first nature trail specifically designed to address the sensory needs of those with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities is open at Letchworth State Park in western New York State. Supported by more than $3.3 million in private fundraising, the new Autism Nature Trail is a one-mile hiking loop that includes eight marked sensory stations, each designed to address a different sensory experience in a safe and supportive environment.

Lake George, N.Y. -- Please join representatives of Warren County, the town and village of Lake George and the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce and CVB for the Official Ice Castles Kick-off press event at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Festival Commons. The event will include a description of this exciting new winter event coming to the Lake George Area and will be followed by remarks by local tourism officials and Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standfird and Events VP Jared Henningsen.

More Lake Ontario Tributaries to Receive Increased Water Flow from Erie Canal, Improving Spawning Conditions & Enhancing Angling Opportunities

New Website with Water Release Schedule Launched

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Canal Corporation is again increasing regulated water releases from the Erie Canal into Lake Ontario tributaries in Western New York this fall to extend fishing opportunities and enhance world-class fishing destinations. Now in its second year, the pilot program through the New York Power Authority's Reimagine the Canals initiative is improving spawning conditions and enhancing angling opportunities in Monroe, Orleans, and Niagara counties -an effort that helps to increase tourism and bolster local businesses.

Southern Finger Lakes, NY – Finger Lakes Farm Country, a five-county initiative intended to promote the abundance of agricultural resources in the region, is taking advantage of technology by creating a new Farm Country app as a way to connect locals and visitors with over 200 agricultural experiences and products. From where to cuddle cows or do yoga with goats to where you can visit with alpacas, taste delicious duck-egg ice cream, do u-pick fruit picking, find a nearby farm market, or even arrange for a farm stay, the new Finger Lakes Farm Country app puts the many agritourism businesses and experiences from Tioga, Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler and Yates counties right at your fingertips. …

Anglers of All Abilities Encouraged to Cast a Line, Experience Benefits of Fishing on Annual Free Fishing Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York's fifth Free Fishing Day of the year is on Saturday, Sept. 25, coinciding with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is celebrated annually to promote outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and target shooting. New York provides anglers with six Free Fishing Days each year.

8th Parks’ Solar Project Statewide Since 2012

Solar Energy Now Covers 15 Percent of Parks’ Total Electrical Needs

Project Pictures Available Here

As part of a series of new sustainability initiatives being announced by state agencies for Climate Week 2021, New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid today announced a new solar array will provide clean, sustainable, carbon-free power maintenance operations at Niagara Falls State Park - already the longtime symbol of green energy in New York State thanks to the Falls’ century-old history of hydroelectric power generation.