Cuomo announces US$2.6M to improve 12 playgrounds across NY

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Thursday announced that New York has committed US$2.6 million to build or improve 12 playgrounds at 10 State Parks across New York – as part of a goal to modernize 100 State Park playgrounds, a release from the Governor’s office said.
“In every corner of this great state, we are investing in our unparalleled outdoor resources to offer family-friendly activities for New Yorkers to enjoy,” Governor Cuomo said. “With this investment, we are ensuring our park system remains second to none and I encourage families from near and far to get out and explore all New York has to offer.”

Under the initiative, State Parks will replace outdated playgrounds at the parks with modern, code-compliant equipment, improve accessibility for people with disabilities, and create distinct areas for young and older age groups. Playground improvements will be coupled with site improvements, including shade trees or canopies, seating, water fountains and trail/walkway connections to the rest of the park.
“Playgrounds encourage families with children to engage in healthy, active and creative play, and nurture a love of parks and recreation,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “I’m grateful to Governor Cuomo for investing in safe, attractive parks and drawing more young people to our great outdoors,” Cuomo said.
The State Parks include:
Capital Region
Schodack Island State Park – construct a new playground to provide a safe play area for the campground, which opened in 2016
Finger Lakes
Hamlin Beach campground – create two new play areas in the campground and expand an existing playground centrally located near the Camper Recreation Hall
Sampson State Park – replace outdated equipment in day-use area near the swimming beach
Long Island
Robert Moses Field 5 – replace outdated playground with an Oceanside-themed playground with distinct play areas for children ages 2 – 5 and 5 -12
Heckscher Field 6 – expand an existing an existing playground with new meadow-themed equipment; an existing gazebo will be replaced with a larger centrally located shade pavilion
Heckscher Field 1 – modernize an existing playground area with new swing sets, new safety surfacing, accessible walkways and seating areas
Mid-Hudson Region
Bear Mountain State Park – construct a new playground near the park’s Merry-Go-Round to provide a recreational amenity for the picnic area away from Hessian Lake
Mohawk Valley
Gilbert Lake State Park – replace and expand the existing playground in the beach picnic area with nature-themed equipment
North Country
Robert Wehle State Park – construct a new playground, which will be configured in the shape of a dog paw with a series of story panels placed around the playground that tells an adventure of Snakefoot – the former property owner’s prized dog
Southern Tier
Chenango Valley State Park – construct a 3,500-square-foot splash pad as a part of the beach redevelopment
Western New York
Allegany State Park – build a natural world themed playground with sand play features and a low zip line at the Red House Beach area next to the Bathhouse
Allegany State Park – Replace and expand an existing playground at the Quaker Run picnic area with natural-world themed equipment with three elevated towers and net climbing features
Construction will take place in the coming months. The playgrounds are expected to be ready for use next summer.
The playgrounds are funded by Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 state park revitalization plan, which includes a commitment to add or improve 100 playgrounds by 2020. The Governor’s NY Parks 2020 program is a multi-year commitment to leverage US$900 million in private and public funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020. The 2017-18 State Budget allocates US$120 million toward this initiative.
The playgrounds also reflect Governor Cuomo’s Connect Kids to Parks program to draw more youth to the outdoors.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 69 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in economic activity annually and supports 54,000 jobs.
For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter