Senator Serrano Commemorates "I Love My Park Day" in the State of New York

Pictured above: Senator Serrano and Senator Little present "I Love My Park Day" Resolution to Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York.

(New York, NY)- Senator José M. Serrano (D-Manhattan/Bronx) joined Senator Betty Little (R- Queensbury) and Parks & Trails New York to commemorate "I Love My Park Day," a new statewide initiative organized by Parks & Trails New York to improve, promote and enhance New York's State Parks and Historic Sites. I love My Park Day takes place on Saturday, May 5th, and encourages volunteers from throughout New York to participate in beautifying state parkland, raising awareness of the current needs of the State Park System.

"I Love My Park Day is not only an incredible opportunity to become civically engaged by volunteering to help beautify your State Park, it's also a way to raise awareness of the needs of our parks and historic sites," said Senator Serrano. "For the last few years, these facilities have been struggling with service cuts and a significant backlog in capital rehabilitation projects."

Senator Little and Senator Serrano sponsored a resolution in honor of "I Love My Park Day". The Resolution was  passed unanimously yesterday by the State Senate.  

Serrano continued: "In 2010 the State experienced a statewide budget impasse that threatened to prevent many of our State Parks from opening their gates. Luckily, we were able to avoid closures, but since then our parks have lacked capital funding, only worsened by the extreme weather we experienced last year. I would like to thank Senator Little for her leadership and advocacy in ensuring that our State Parks are protected."

"For New York City residents, State Parks offer countless recreational opportunities, and foster an important appreciation for the great outdoors. Particularly during tough economic times, Parks offer families an affordable alternative to costly travel plans, and despite service cuts, we continue to see an increase in parks attendance. This goes to show that New Yorkers really do love their State Parks, and that parks are an effective economic engine for our state. I encourage every New Yorker to make their way to their favorite State Park this Saturday and participate in this fantastic event."

More than 30 "I Love My Park Day" events will be happening on May 5th. Please register at http://www.ptny.org/ilovemypark/findanevent.shtml to find a park near you where you can participate.

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