In support of the goals outlined in Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State and executive budget, New York State Parks has announced support for several initiatives they say are designed to create jobs, enhance state park experiences, improve access to outdoor recreation and preserve state history. [Read more…] about State Parks Outlines New Investments Hoped for 2026
Buffalo Harbor State Park
State Parks History In the New Millennium
Over the past 25 years New York State Parks saw great diversity in its leadership. Following the resignation of Orin Lehman in 1993, the agency spent 26 years with women leading the charge in preserving New York’s public lands.
At the start of this era, Commissioner Bernadette Castro was well into her tenure as the head of the agency, working to expand the park system’s footprint. In the mid-2000s, leadership would change several times with Commissioner Carol Ash assuming the role in 2006 and Commissioner Rose Harvey rising to the role just four years later. [Read more…] about State Parks History In the New Millennium
Ladders to the Outdoors: Helping Youth Connect with the Outdoors
Created in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in 2021, New York State Parks’ Ladders to the Outdoors program launched with a goal to have children from underserved communities experience the outdoors at state parks in Erie and Niagara counties. [Read more…] about Ladders to the Outdoors: Helping Youth Connect with the Outdoors