December 21, 2023 — It’s going to be a big year for the New York state parks and historic sites system in 2024.
Across New York, from Niagara Falls to Long Island, parks and historic sites will be celebrating 100 years of connecting the public to nature and history, and PEF members are at the forefront of fostering the celebration from planning to reality.
You may have lived in New York your entire life – but did you know Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in America and Washington’s headquarters in Newburgh, N.Y. is the first publicly owned historic site.
“The creation of the State Council of Parks in 1924 was a watershed moment for New York,” said PEF member Kate Jenkins, a digital communications specialist in the public affairs bureau at the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP). “It unified the state’s growing collection of parks and sites and provided an impetus for the acquisition and creation of new lands.”
A NYSOPRHP community relations representative and PEF member since 2015, Tyler Wilcox said voters approved a $15 million Bond Act in 1924 to build and enlarge a network of state parks. Over the next decade, 55 new state parks were established, forging the New York state park and historic site system that residents and visitors cherish today.
Publicizing an historic anniversary
A lot of work goes into bringing a Centennial celebration to the public. Planning began in mid-2022 and officially kicked off with a two-day tour in August 2023 along with the launch of Centennial-specific webpages. The site features a 90-second video meant to spark interest in the coming campaign.
“Our Division of Historic Preservation is supporting the development of an interactive timeline of the history of New York state parks and sites,” Jenkins said. “Our Friends groups and other state agencies are supporting our efforts to get the word out.”
Jenkins and Wilcox are coordinating extensively with media across the state on stories about the system and the Centennial celebration. Agency social media channels are featuring Centennial content to build excitement.
“Everyone at Parks is excited about the Centennial, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with all of New York State,” Jenkins said. “2024 will be a year of special celebratory events throughout the state. Beloved established events like First Day Hikes on January 1 and I Love My Park Day on the first Saturday in May will have a Centennial flare in 2024.
“We’re introducing a Centennial Challenge, which will encourage people to experience all our parks and sites have to offer by completing 24 out of a list of 100 activities,” she said. “We’re also inviting people to share their own stories about our parks and sites and have a special Centennial line of merchandise.”
With 250 properties, there is a lot to share.
“There are so many unique stories, properties, and programs that the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has the opportunity to promote,” Wilcox said. “Our Centennial is a perfect milestone to highlight and share our agency’s work with the public so they can continue to explore and create new and more meaningful connections with our parks and historic sites.”
What NY State Parks & Historic Sites have to offer
“The value of the parks system is immense,” Jenkins said. “In its 100 years of existence, the NY State Parks system has expanded to more than 250 properties, offering all New Yorkers a vital opportunity to connect to nature and learn about the history of New York.”
Whether you want an escape from daily life, a lesson in New York’s 400 years of history, a day at the beach, a round of golf, or a stroll through forests, fields, and gorges, the NY State Parks system has a place for you.
But parks are more than just recreational places to visit – they are vital to the plant, wildlife, and natural wonders of New York.
“Parks offer crucial habitat to an array of flora and fauna and preserve green space,” Jenkins said. “Many of our parks are home to unique natural features: the waterfalls at Robert Treman and Pixley Falls, the incredible view and remarkable fossils at Thacher State Park, the drumlins at Chimney Bluffs, the wetlands and sand barrens at Clay Pit Ponds Preserve, just to name a few!”
Wilcox echoed the importance of both natural resources and opportunities for recreation.
“New York is home to some of the most iconic natural, historic, and cultural resources, and the Parks system helps to preserve those priceless landscapes and ecosystems for the public to enjoy responsibly.”
Spanning more than 360,000 acres, the NY State Parks system is one of the largest in the United States. From recreational trails, to golf courses, and much more, parks foster health and fitness and offer affordable destinations for everyone. During the height of COVID-19, the value of parks was unparalleled.
“The need for outdoor space was further heightened during the pandemic during which our visitation hit record levels,” Wilcox said.
They’re also a key cog in New York’s economic wheel.
“They drive tourism – one of New York’s strongest industries – by welcoming nearly 80 million New York residents and visitors from around the world last year alone,” Wilcox said. “All of this helps to promote economic development.”
Looking ahead
While the Centennial celebrates 100 years of the NY State Parks system, it also sets the stage for the next 100 years and beyond.
“As an agency, we’re striving to make our parks and sites truly welcoming and accessible to everyone and to reach new and underserved audiences,” Jenkins said. “We’re leading on climate change and resiliency, progressing toward a goal of powering our facilities with 100% renewable energy by 2030, and we’re continuing to invest in our parks and sites after a long period of under-investment.”
With the help of Jenkins and Wilcox, we compiled a list of parks and historic sites, one in each PEF Region. Click here to see what was featured in your region!