CONGRATULATIONS to the very lucky winner of the free weekend stay at Maplewood Lodge in the park as a result of our Letchworth calendar contest: Jim Byrnes! Jim is a former resident of this area who now resides in Mississippi.
Park Attendance is UP!
Park system welcomed 65 million visitors in 2015, 3 million more visitors than 2014
“I Love My Park Day” will prepare parks for another successful season
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced New York state parks, historic sites and campgrounds hosted another successful season, with 65.3 million estimated visits in 2015. Park attendance increased five percent from 2014 to 2015, and nearly 14 percent since the Governor took office in 2011.
“More and more people are discovering that New York’s state parks are home to unparalleled natural beauty and a wealth of recreational activities,” Governor Cuomo said. “These increased attendance numbers are proof that this administration’s efforts to invest in and promote New York’s natural assets have been a success. I encourage New Yorkers and visitors alike to see for themselves all that our state’s parks have to offer.”
Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the revitalization of the state park system at Chenango Valley State Park in the Southern Tier, where she encouraged New Yorkers to help their parks prepare for another successful season by taking part in the statewide “I Love My Park Day” volunteer cleanup effort on May 7.
“More and more visitors have been coming to enjoy our parks and historic sites over the last five years, reflecting Governor Cuomo’s strong efforts to improve and promote New York State Parks,” Lieutenant Governor Hochul said. “I Love My Park Day is the perfect opportunity for those who enjoy the parks to demonstrate just how much they care for these special places and I encourage all New Yorkers to volunteer this year at their favorite park or visit a new public land in their area.”
Park attendance was boosted by a variety of factors, including the return of fireworks to Jones Beach State Park after a five-year absence; national exposure for Letchworth and Watkins Glen State Parks, which were ranked first and third best state parks in the nation by USA Today; improvements to the newly designated Buffalo Harbor State Park on the city’s waterfront, and favorable weather throughout the summer and late into the fall.
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I Love My Park Day – Registration Open
More than 100 parks and historic sites are hosting I Love My Park Day events on May 7, 2016. This year’s event is our biggest yet! To help celebrate the fifth anniversary of I Love My Park Day, PTNY and NY State Parks are excited to expand the event to public lands in the Adirondacks and Catskills managed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, as well as several National Park Service sites in celebration of NPS’s centennial. Registration is required and spots fill up fast.
Letchworth State Park I Love My Park Day 2016 Projects
1: Raking Leaves, Litter clean up, staining benches at Wolf Creek, Great Bend overlook.
2: Maintaining fall material of playgrounds on the south end of Letchworth State Park.
3: Invasive plant removal.
4: Stream bank erosion control by planting live stem dogwood branches. Please bring work gloves, knee high rubber boots/hip waders, and 5 gallon pails.
A picnic style lunch will be provided by Friends of Letchworth and includes grilled hot dogs, chips, veggie tray, fruit and cookies. Beverages will include coffee, tea, water and soda. Extra water will be on hand during the projects.
Registration is required and spots fill up fast. All ages are welcome. Volunteers should meet at the Tea Table/Eddy’s parking lot and to wear long sleeves, long pants, and enclosed shoes.
Date: Saturday, May 7th, 2016
Time: 9am to 2pm