Senator Gallivan Applauds Grant Funding to Parks Organizations

Jim Ranney

March 20, 2019

State Parks

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) is applauding $450,000 in state grants awarded to 22 organizations that are dedicated to the stewardship and promotion of New York State parks, historic sites and public lands. Among the groups to receive funding are Friends of Letchworth State Park and Friends of Knox Farm State Park.

These groups raise private funds for capital projects, perform maintenance tasks, provide educational programming and promote public use of parks through hosting special events. The Park and Trail Partnership Program grants are administered by the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation as well as Parks and Trails New York, a statewide non-profit group.

"New York is home to some of the most beautiful parks and recreational sites in the country and two of the gems are Letchworth State Park and Knox Farm State Park,” Senator Gallivan said. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated partner organizations in place to help preserve and promote these parks and ensure residents and visitors can enjoy these public lands for generations to come.”

Under the program, Friends of Letchworth State Park will receive $13,888 to support a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Legacy Pathway project in Letchworth State Park with interpretive, directional and structure identification signage. Friends of Knox Farm will get $40,000 to hire a part time Executive Director to help the volunteer organization better accomplish its mission and support the park.

The Park and Trail Partnership Program grants, funded through the Environmental Protection Fund, will be matched by more than $150,000 in private and local funding. The Park and Trail Partnership Program grants are designed to:

Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, maintenance and promotion of New York State parks, trails, historic sites and public lands;
Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, productivity, volunteerism and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain and support New York State parks, trails and state historic sites; and
Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails and greenways.

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