Working for State Parks Improvement and Accessibility

On October 14th, Senator Serrano joined Senator James Skoufis, Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid, and the Palisades Parks Conservancy for a tour of Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks, and  reviewed a new proposal for a multi-season, multi-use destination that could better support the two parks’ nearly 3 million annual visitors. 

The plan addresses the unresolved damage from 2011’s Tropical Storm Lee and subsequent storms. It also addresses the reconstruction and reopening of Sebago Beach, which served countless visitors from New York City as one of three public beaches in Harriman State Park. Sebago Beach has been closed for nearly a decade, causing overcrowding in other areas of the park.

"As Chair of the Senate Committee on State Parks, I believe that access to nature provides real physical and mental health benefits," said Senator Serrano. "As we seek to connect even more New Yorkers with parks, it is essential that we preserve, protect, and enhance our green spaces, making them safe and accessible for all. Harriman and Bear Mountain are a refuge for diverse communities across the city and state, providing an ideal setting for countless recreational activities. I thank New York State Parks for setting their sights to the future of these parks, ensuring that New Yorkers can enjoy these wonderful green spaces for generations to come."