Senator Serrano applauds the confirmation of Rose Harvey as Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

José M. Serrano

March 8, 2011

(Albany, NY)-Senator José M. Serrano commended Governor Cuomo’s nomination of Rose H. Harvey as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Today,the nomination was approved unanimously by the New York State Senate.

Prior to her nomination, Ms. Harvey was a Senior Fellow at the Jonathan Rose Companies, where she served as an advisor and conducted research on parks issues, and where she launched a non-profit organization designed to fund and develop parks in urban neighborhoods. Ms. Harvey also worked with the Trust for Public Land

for 27 years, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and National Director of Urban Programs.

"New York is home to some of the country’s most diverse landscapes and cultural resources, and Ms. Harvey’s multifaceted credentials make her the ideal candidate to lead the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation," said Senator Serrano. "Her experience in parks’ operation, protection, enhancement and

development, along with her work in urban areas and underserved communities, are a testament of her commitment to preserving parkland and making it accessible to all New Yorkers."

"During the last legislative session, when budget cuts threatened to shutter parks across New York, I worked closely with my colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral manner, to prevent closures to our beloved park system. And as additional proof of the demand for our parks, last year’s attendance at these sites increased by one million to a whopping 57 million visitors. Our parks and historic sites are our state’s greatest gift to future generations, and I am deeply committed to working with Commissioner Harvey to ensure that they are adequately protected and fortified."

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