LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 7, 2016, as I Love My Park Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by the
availability of exceptional recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 7, 2016, as I Love My Park
Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Fifth Annual I Love My Park Day is an exciting statewide
event to improve and enhance New York's parks and historic sites and
bring visibility to the entire park system and its needs; and
WHEREAS, Thousands of volunteers from across the State will partic-
ipate in cleanup, improvement, and beautification events at more than
100 New York State parks and historic sites; they will be coming togeth-
er to celebrate and maintain the shared public spaces that foster strong
community bonds and appreciation of nature and history; and
WHEREAS, Coordinated statewide by Parks & Trails New York in partner-
ship with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic
Preservation, volunteers will ensure that New York's parks remain beau-
tiful and accessible by cleaning up park lands and beaches, planting
trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitat, removing inva-
sive species, and working on various site improvement projects; and
WHEREAS, In celebration of the Fifth Anniversary, I Love My Park Day
2016 will include public lands in the Adirondacks and Catskills managed
by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, as well
as several National Park Service sites in celebration of NPS's centenni-
al; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York is home to iconic parks and historical
sites such as the mighty Niagara Falls, the oldest state park in the
country; Letchworth State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the
East; Jones Beach, a world class swimming destination which welcomes
twice as many yearly visitors as Yellowstone National Park; Olana, the
19th century home of Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin Church;
and Oriskany Battlefield, the site of one of the most significant
battles of the Revolutionary War; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Park system includes 180 state parks and
35 state historic sites, covering a total of 330,000 acres of protected
lands and water, 1,350 miles of hiking trails, over 8,000 campsites,
numerous swimming pools, beaches, boat launches, nature centers, and
golf courses which contribute significant benefits to New York State's
economy, health, environment and history; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State
of New York supports this vital day and encourages the citizens of this
great Empire State to participate in the I Love My Park Day activities
scheduled throughout the state to strengthen their commitment to
preserving the natural, scenic, and recreational qualities of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 7, 2016, as I Love
My Park Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; Parks & Trails New York; and the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation & Historic Preservation.