The Beat

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.  …

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.

Oswego, New York — The National Park Service invites public input on a special resource study focusing on Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York, which was a British and American military installation from the mid-18th century to the end of World War II.

Since 1946, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation has owned and managed the central fort complex known as Fort Ontario State Historic Site. The National Park Service’s special resource study will assess how cultural and natural resources associated with the fort’s long history meet criteria to be recommended for designation as a unit of the National Park System. A 60-day comment period runs through November 1, 2021.

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.” …

June 19 and 26 10:00 AM

Staatsburg, N.Y.  (6/14/20) — The beautiful park land of Mills Norrie State Park was once the setting of three grand Hudson River-front estates.  On June 19 and 26 at 10 a.m., staff from Staatsburgh State Historic Site will lead “Hidden History in the Woods,” a guided hike through the park, exploring the history of the historic estates that were within what is now Mills Norrie State Park: Staatsburgh (Mills Mansion), The Point (Hoyt House) and Stonehurst.  Like so many other estates in the mid-Hudson valley, all three were connected to the powerful Livingston family. …

Visitors Reminded to Practice Social Distancing and Respect the Rules

Jones Beach Limited to Air Show Ticket Holders Only for Friday, Saturday and Sunday

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will open 22 beaches, pools and spraygrounds across the state for swimming on Memorial Day weekend. State Park beaches, campgrounds and picnic areas will return to normal operating capacity this summer. Park visitors are reminded to practice social distancing, respect the rules, and do their part to keep parks and beaches open and safe for everyone.

Over 5,000 Volunteers Pitch in at Over 140 Events

Albany, N.Y. – More than 120 New York State parks, historic sites and public lands are hosting volunteer events this weekend, Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2, as part of the tenth annual I Love My Park Day. I Love My Park Day, organized by the statewide nonprofit Parks & Trails New York is a popular statewide event that improves and enhances New York’s beloved outdoor spaces, while bringing visibility to the entire state park system, and its needs. More than 5,000 volunteers are expected to roll up their sleeves on cleanup, improvement, and beautification projects. 

Open May 1 to October 30. Saturdays from 9:30 am to 2pm.

Member hours 9 am to 2 pm. 

Market is open, rain or shine!

Katonah, N.Y. – The farm market is open every Saturday, May - October, on the beautiful and historic John Jay Homestead; hosting local farms, bakers, artisans and food vendors. Products include seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, cheese, eggs, prepared foods & sauces, baked breads, treats, and so much more for you to enjoy! We offer a convenient and safe locale in our beautiful barnyard for shopping.

Events, Places, Programs and Virtual Content Features Women’s Impacts on State History 

Niagara Falls To Be Illuminated In Suffragist Colors  

New Yorkers are encouraged to celebrate women’s contributions to state history through events, programming and visits to State Parks and historic sites during Women’s History Month in March. 

"During Women’s History Month, we are proud to promote and support the undertold stories of women who helped shape our state's diverse history," said Erik Kulleseid, commissioner of state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “I welcome visitors to experience our displays, events, virtual programming and online content, as well as through safe, socially-distanced outdoor visits to our sites related to the many roles of women in our common heritage." …

$1 Million Project Will Add Ramp, Renovate ADA Compliant Pathways

Park Remains Open During Construction

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced today work will start on a $1 million project to enhance disability access at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park in New York City.

Starting next week and concluding in late spring, work will include a new incline platform lift at the granite Grand Stairway and renovation of two aggregate stone pathways to enhance accessibility.

“This project will ensure that all New Yorkers can enjoy equal access to this important memorial to a New Yorker who was one of our greatest leaders,” said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. “At Parks, we value doing what is needed so that our Parks and historic sites are open to all.”

The project is supported by a $250,000 allocation from New York City Council Member Mark Levine and $250,000 grant from State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, with the balance supported by NY Works.