Senator Jose Peralta Fulfills Promise to New York’s Families & Keeps Parks Open

(Albany, NY) Every state park and historic site will be open Memorial Day weekend, the entire summer and well into next year Senator Jose Peralta (D, Queens) announced. After taking a stand to protect parks earlier this year when the Governor proposed dramatic cuts, Senate Democrats were able to negotiate an agreement to restore full funding for all parks, fulfilling their promise to keep parks, campgrounds, historic sites and botanical gardens open for New York’s families.

Parks are a major economic engine for communities across the state; a recent study indicates that the return on investment for parks operations is five-fold, $1.9 billion in total revenue.

The agreement also maintains funding for the very popular Department of Environmental Conservation campgrounds, which become the summer home for thousands of students who learn the importance of environmental protection and wilderness skills.

“I am pleased the Governor has agreed to keep our parks open. Many families in New York are facing tough economic challenges this year and cannot afford to go on vacation. State Parks will be the only respite for many New Yorkers which is why it was so important for us to keep them open.” said Senator Peralta.

Two months ago, the Senate Democratic Majority approved a budget resolution which included the same funding level for parks operations as last year, preventing 57 State Parks from closing and another 22 State parks from operating at reduced hours and staffing levels.