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Governor Cuomo Announces Growth in Summer Season Attendance at NYS Parks, Extended Swimming Season

Written by Long Island News & PR  |  08. September 2016

Albany, NY - September 7, 2016 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced continued growth in attendance at New York’s state parks, historic sites and campgrounds, with nearly 38.4 million visits from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day of 2016, an increase of more than 120,000 visits from last year’s summer season. Additionally, at the Governor’s direction, swimming at state park facilities across New York has been extended through September 18th.

“This administration has make an unprecedented investment in our state park system, bringing new facilities, new energy and – as these numbers show – increased attendance during the summer season,” Governor Cuomo said. “We’re proud to keep this momentum going with the extension of the swimming season and I encourage all New Yorkers to visit a local state park, historic site or campground, use these great new facilities and experience for themselves the unparalleled natural beauty in every corner of this state.”

State Park attendance has grown exponentially over the last five years, reflecting Governor Cuomo’s strong efforts to improve and promote New York State Parks as a part of his NY Parks 2020 program to leverage $900 million in private and public funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020.

As part of his NY Parks 2020 program, Governor Cuomo launched the Connect Kids to Parks program, which provides free day-use park entry to fourth-grade students and their families. Earlier this summer, the Governor twice extended swimming hours at state park beaches and pools to help New Yorkers cool off during summer heat waves. An estimated 38.36 million visitors took advantage of facilities operated by State Parks throughout the summer season of 2016, compared to 38.24 million estimated in 2015, 35.19 million in 2014, and 34.12 million during 2013.

State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “Thanks to incredible support from Governor Cuomo, New York State Parks had another tremendous season, with visitors enjoying their time swimming, camping, golfing, hiking and touring historic sites. The attendance numbers confirm that that citizens and tourists alike are rediscovering that our state park system is a must-visit destination for fun, recreation and tourism.”

The following State Park swimming facilities will offer extended seasons after Labor Day:

Western New York

· Allegany State Park Quaker Area: Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
· Beaver Island: Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Finger Lakes

· Hamlin Beach: Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
· The Sprayground at Seneca Lake State Park: Sept, 10, 11, 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Southern Tier

· Robert H Treman: Sept. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
· Taughannock Falls: Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Central New York

· Green Lakes State Park: Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mohawk Valley

· Delta Lake State Park: Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m

North Country

· Southwick Beach: Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m

Capital Region

· Saratoga Spa State Park Victoria Pool: Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
· Lake Taghkanic State Park: Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Long Island

· Hither Hills State Park: Daily through Sept 18, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
· Jones Beach State Park Field 6: Daily through Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
· Jones Beach West Bathhouse Ocean Beach: Sept. 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
· Jones Beach Central Mall: Daily through Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sept. 10 and 11, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sept. 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
· Robert Moses State Park: Fields 2 and 5: Daily through Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends.
· Sunken Meadow State Park: Daily through Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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