Senate Resolution No. 1839

BY: Senator SERRANO

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations which are dedicated to increasing
public awareness of, and appreciation for, the natural resources and
stewardship of New York, recognizing the role all citizens have in
protecting the environment and the quality of life in this Empire State;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation; and

WHEREAS, The very first publicly owned historic site in the Nation,
Washington's Headquarters, was acquired by and opened in New York in
1850, and 35 years later in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park was
established, and is now the oldest state park in the United States; and

WHEREAS, With great foresight and understanding of how vital the
protection of our natural world is to furthering the enrichment and
health of the citizenry of this State and Nation, while also preserving
the rich and complex history of New York, the State Council of Parks was
justly established in 1924; and

WHEREAS, The State Council of Parks provided the leadership to
create a statewide system of new parks for all New Yorkers which served
as a foundation for what is now known as the Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation; and

WHEREAS, After 100 years of service, New York's system of parks and
historic sites is one of the State's most important assets and is
operated and supported by dedicated New Yorkers who reflect the
population and rich culture of New York; together, New York State Parks'
staff, volunteers, and benefactors work hard to offer new experiences to
New Yorkers and travelers from around the world while continuing the
mission to restore and revitalize our public spaces for future
generations; and

WHEREAS, Starting with the earliest museum caretakers, many of whom
lived at their historic sites, opening these special locations to the
public has also meant creating a place for learning; each year, almost
200 swim instructors, environmental educators, and historic interpreters
bring their passions to the public through lessons, programs, and tours
that inspire visitors with new skills and knowledge; and

WHEREAS, Today, with more than 250 properties encompassing 360,000
acres of beaches, campgrounds, trails, forests, and so much more, the
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation remains committed
to protecting and promoting public access to the State's rich natural
resources; and


WHEREAS, Staff and support networks know that parks and protected
sites are economic drivers in their local communities, and they give
their all to provide world-class experiences for each visitor; in some
cases, this devotion to the park system has even been multigenerational,
and the people who support the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation may be able to credit their parents and grandparents who
earlier cared for these special places for their current passions and
interest in perpetuating this important care; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched
and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of organizations which
are committed to the preservation of our natural environment and the
enhancement of the appreciation of the distinctive features of our
surroundings, and to the economic well-being of the areas in which they
exist; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the various members of the State Council of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation.