The Beat

Volunteer Events Taking Place at 120 State Parks, Historic Sites and Public Lands Across New York

Online Registration Now Open and Can Be Completed Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that registration is now open for the tenth annual I Love My Park Day, which will be held over the weekend of May 1 and May 2, 2021 at state parks, historic sites and public lands across New York. The event, sponsored by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Parks & Trails New York and the Department of Environmental Conservation, is a statewide event to enhance parks, historic sites and public lands and raise awareness and visibility to the state outdoor recreation assets and their needs.

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.

Advances Goals of 2021 State of the State

One-mile loop will feature eight sensory stations offering a range of experiences from quiet engagement to active exploration and adventure

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced today that construction has started on a first-of-its kind nature trail at Letchworth State Park designed for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. The Autism Nature Trail is part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s 2021 State of the State agenda to reimagine, rebuild and renew New York State, including enhancing New York State Parks.

New Land Will Protect Ecosystem, Combat Climate Change and Boost Tourism in the Mid-Hudson Valley Region

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the protection of more than 260 acres of open space in the Mid-Hudson Valley, adding new trails and public access to three State Parks, as well as conserving valuable ecological corridors. The acquisitions represent an investment of $1.14 million in State funding from the Environmental Protection Fund and Hudson Highlands Conservation Act.

 "The Mid-Hudson Valley boasts some of our most breathtaking natural resources and landscapes, and we're committed to protecting these open spaces for generations to come," Governor Cuomo said. "We've experienced record attendance at our state parks during this pandemic and these expansions will not only make these jewels shine even brighter, but will build on our work to address climate change and create a cleaner, greener and stronger New York for all."…

Events, Places, Programs and Virtual Content Features African American Impacts on State History

Niagara Falls To Be Illuminated

New Yorkers can help celebrate African American contributions to state history through a series of events, programming and visits to State Parks and historic sites during Black History Month.

“We support Governor Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to better telling the undertold stories of African Americans who helped shape our state’s diverse history,” said Erik Kulleseid, commissioner of state Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “During Black History Month in February, I welcome visitors to take advantage of our displays, events, virtual programming and online content, as well as through safe, socially-distanced outdoor visits to our sites related to this important aspect of our common heritage.”…

Center Will Welcome Visitors and Introduce Them to the 24,000-Acre Preserve

NY Parks 2020 Initiative Leverages Public-Private Investment to Modernize Minnewaska State Park Preserve Gateway

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today the opening of a new visitor center at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve on the Shawangunk Ridge. A public-private partnership with the Open Space Institute created the modern facility overlooking Lake Minnewaska to welcome and guide visitors arriving to explore the 24,000-acre preserve and provide public amenities and education and programming space. The project installed modern facilities necessary to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to the park needed since the administration of Governor Mario Cuomo acquired the site of a former resort hotel in 1987. The new visitor center caps a $27 million public-private multi-phase investment to modernize the gateway to Minnewaska State Park Preserve under Governor Cuomo's NY Parks 2020 initiative.

Partnership with LIPA, NYSERDA, and NYPA Creates Modern Educational Facility for Long Island's Most-Visited State Park

Facility Advances Understanding of the Interplay between Human Action, Energy Use, and Environmental Conservation

Project Continues Comprehensive Revitalization of Historic Jones Beach State Park

Photos Available Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center. The center opens during Climate Week and will educate and inform the public about how energy shapes New York's natural systems, and how this same energy can be harnessed to advance New York's nation-leading plan to combat climate change. Established by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation - in partnership with the Long Island Power Authority, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the New York Power Authority - the pioneering facility will help visitors of all ages become better stewards of the environment and smart energy consumers. …

Staatsburg, N.Y. (9/10/20) —This fall, Staatsburgh State Historic Site invites families and groups of friends to explore the beautiful grounds of the Gilded Age estate (now Mills Memorial State Park) by taking a photographic scavenger hunt challenge. A phone with a camera and some walking shoes are all that is needed to complete ten fun riddles on a loop through the beautiful landscape along the Hudson River. All ages are invited to participate. Learn about some of the highlights of the historic grounds around the mansion while having fun! Find the signs located near the mansion with the QR code for “Virtually Staatsburgh” to download the clue sheet, or visit https://millsfriends.org/virtual/family-fun/ .