Tedisco & Simpson Calls for “I Love NY Parks Summer Discount”

In advance of the 11^th annual New York State “I Love My Park Day” this Saturday, Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Glenville) and Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C,I-Horicon) today announced new legislation they are sponsoring, the “I Love NY Parks Summer Discount” bill to provide New Yorkers with a 50 percent discount on admission fees for the 2022 season at all state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities. 

Senator Tedisco and Assemblyman Simpson’s legislation, S.8699/A.10030, cuts the price of admission in half at those outdoor recreational facilities operated by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for the 2022 season.  

Tedisco and Simpson’s offices estimate their summer discount legislation could save New York Taxpayers up to $54 million in total this year. Here’s some examples of how New Yorkers could save money under Senator Tedisco and Assemblyman Simpson’s “I Love NY Parks Summer Discount” bill:

·Visitors to Saratoga Spa State Park would see their vehicle entrance fee reduced from $10 to $5.

·Campsites at Verona Beach State Park cost as much as $30 per night. This legislation halves that to $15 per night. 

·At Jones Beach on Long Island, star gazing costs $35, diving permits are $80 and locker rentals costs $5. One could have an entire day of fun for $60 under this bill.

·It costs $10 to park at Niagara Fall State Park. This would reduce it to $5.

·To play 18 holes of golf on a weekend at Bethpage State Park Golf Course in Farmingdale costs $43. This bill would cut that to $21.50. 

 “Spring is in full swing and the summer season for outdoor recreation is just around the corner. Many New York State residents who have been living under pandemic restrictions over the past two years will finally get a chance to take advantage of our great state parks, recreational areas and historic sites in the coming months. At the same time, the price of gas and inflation are at a 40-year high leaving too many of our citizens with less disposable income to enjoy these amenities.  That’s why we have introduced “I Love NY Parks Summer Discount” legislation to give New Yorkers a break on admission fees so they can go out and enjoy our state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities and keep more of their hard-earned dollars,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

 “New York State is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the entire country. The rich history of our great state coupled with the near limitless recreational opportunities it has to offer provides everything one could ever need to experience the adventure of a lifetime. After over two years of truly difficult hardship due to the pandemic and now economic instability from inflation, high gas prices, and supply challenges, we owe New Yorkers every opportunity to experience the reprieve they long for to reinvigorate their spirit. Experiencing the amazing amenities this state has to offer carries the potential to achieve exactly that,” said Assemblyman Matt Simpson.