In support of the goals outlined in Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State and executive budget, New York State Parks is 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.
$340 Million in New Capital Investments
The 2027 Executive Budget includes $340 million for improvement projects throughout the parks system, including $75 million for the development and creation of a new High Falls State Park in Rochester.
These investments are also expected to help renovate and modernize Riverbank State Park in Harlem and unite state parks along the Niagara Gorge into a single park, creating a seamless corridor of recreation, history and natural wonder to explore. The plan would expand the footprint of Niagara Falls State Park to include the nearby Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole State Parks and add nearly two more miles of trails to the park to connect with the attractions along the way including the Aquarium of Niagara and the Underground Railroad Heritage Center.
The plans also advance the Jones Beach East Bathhouse project, which is expected to be completed this year, and upgrades and new facilities at Sojourner
Truth and Buffalo Harbor State Parks, along with the restoration of Lake Sebago Beach in Harriman State Park.
250th Anniversary of the American Revolution
Hocul’s briefing book notes that over $75 million in completed, underway, or planned investments at dozens of New York State Parks Revolutionary
War sites across the state as part of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
New York State Parks Trade Corps
A new program that will create a pathway to employment for young adults – a proposed apprenticeship program, the New York State Parks Trade Corps, is expected to provide hands-on experience and certifications for skilled trades such as carpentry, masonry and wilderness safety.
Officials say the first year of this program will aim to provide opportunities for those in under-served Hudson Valley communities. The pilot will begin with targeted restoration work at Camp Baker in Harriman State Park.
Expanding Access & Access Initiatives
Hoping to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to high-quality recreation opportunities, the expansion of “Get Offline, Get Outside” challenge is hoped to improve the mental and physical well-being of park visitors.
This expansion includes new wellness-focused events, enhanced neighborhood access and increased distribution of the “Explorer Club” activity book. It’s hoped this effort will introduce hundreds of activities statewide, and facilitate collaboration with local communities to identify new pedestrian entrances to parks including near schools.
The Environmental Protection Fund proposal expands the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program to $2.65 million and maintains $26 million for the Municipal Parks Program and $3.8 million for Connect Kids to Parks.
New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) reported a record 88.3 million visitors in 2024 at its more than
250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, and more.
Preserving History
The Executive Budget includes $7 million to begin development of the Preservation and Resource Center (PaRC), by converting the existing Division for Historic Preservation‘s headquarters.
Beyond public exhibition spaces, this new center at Peebles Island State Park would function as a collaborative center for training, research and cooperation among cultural organizations.
You can learn more about Hochul’s proposals in her State of the State briefing book.
Read more about New York’s State Parks.
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