The site of the present Sampson State Park in Romulus, Seneca County, NY was formerly the site of the Sampson Navy Base. As the United States found itself at war following the attack on Pearl Harbor in late 1941, the U.S. Navy had an immediate need for sailors. Basic training bases, or boot camps, were constructed across the country to meet this emergency requirement. [Read more…] about Sampson State Park’s Remarkable Military, Education & Public Health History
State Parks
State Campgrounds Have New Loyalty/Reward Program
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Department of Environmental Conservation have announced the first-ever Camper Loyalty/Reward Program for overnight stays at state campgrounds across New York State. The introduction of the new Loyalty program coincides with the opening of the nine-month online reservation window for the 2022 Camping Season. [Read more…] about State Campgrounds Have New Loyalty/Reward Program
State Protects Rail Trail in Western New York
State Parks recently acquired the 12.1-mile, multi-use Pat McGee Trail in Cattaraugus County, which supports links to Allegany State Park in New York State and Allegany National Forest in Pennsylvania. [Read more…] about State Protects Rail Trail in Western New York
Niagara Falls State Park Building $46M Visitor Center
Governor Andrew Cuomo has unveiled the design for a new $46 million state-of-the-art visitor center in Niagara Falls State Park, with construction scheduled to begin this fall. [Read more…] about Niagara Falls State Park Building $46M Visitor Center
NYS Parks & Beaches Guide for Memorial Day Weekend
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will open 22 beaches, pools and spray-grounds 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. [Read more…] about NYS Parks & Beaches Guide for Memorial Day Weekend
Platform Tent Camping Offered At Some NYS Parks
Embracing the motto “camping without the hassle,” State Parks has entered into a partnership with New York City-based Tentrr for a new tent camping service with 45 new sites in the Hudson Valley. [Read more…] about Platform Tent Camping Offered At Some NYS Parks
Accessibility Improvements At FDR Four Freedoms State Park
Work to expand accessibility has started at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park in New York City. Under a $1 million project scheduled to conclude in late spring, work will include a new incline platform lift at the granite Grand Stairway and renovation of two stone pathways to enhance accessibility. [Read more…] about Accessibility Improvements At FDR Four Freedoms State Park
2021 New York State Camping Guide Released
New York State Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation have released the 2021 New York State Camping Guide digital version, an online tool to explore the 120 campgrounds in New York State. [Read more…] about 2021 New York State Camping Guide Released
State Parks Grow in the Hudson Valley
Three State Parks in the Hudson Valley added more than 260 acres of open space under $1.14 million in State funding from the Environmental Protection Fund and Hudson Highlands Conservation Act. [Read more…] about State Parks Grow in the Hudson Valley
Philipse Manor Hall To Interpret 400 Years Of Black History
State Parks this year will designate Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site as the first state historic site dedicated to the 400-year experience of African Americans in New York. [Read more…] about Philipse Manor Hall To Interpret 400 Years Of Black History