Senator Ritchie: Nominate Your Favorite State Park

Patty Ritchie

July 25, 2011

State Senator Patty Ritchie is inviting Central and Northern New York residents to nominate the region’s top State Parks.

The Senator has created a online survey that asks residents to select from nearly two dozen State Parks in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, in an effort to build awareness of tourism and recreational treasures in our own backyard.

“One of Upstate New York’s greatest tourism strengths is our amazing State Parks system,” Senator Ritchie said. "From Eel Weir in my hometown, to Keewaydin and Grass Point in Jefferson County, and Selkirk Shores and Mexico Point in Oswego County, our State Parks are local gems that provide countless days of family fun for area residents and make our are more appealing to tyravelers from across New York."

“I’m inviting people in St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Oswego counties to visit my online survey and nominate their favorite State Park. I’ll be using the information I collect to help make everyone aware of some of our region’s top parks and help attract more visitors to our communities.”

"Last week, when our State was in the grip of a sweltering heat wave, I reached out to Governor Andrew Cuomo to ask for his help to assist New Yorkers who wanted to beat the heat," Senator Ritchie said. "The governor extended the swimming hours at Central and Northern New York beaches and pools and thanked me for my leadership in helping to find ways to cope with the soaring temperatures."

Each year, more than 4 million people visit State Parks in Central New York and the Thousand Islands Region, spending more than $200 million in nearby stores, and helping support 2,500 local jobs.

Statewide, New York’s parks produce $1.9 billion in annual sales for private businesses in the areas around the parks. The parks boost attendance at nearby tourist attractions, introduce visitors to surrounding communities, and support an estimated 20,000 jobs.