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Cuomo reminds New Yorkers to sign up to volunteer at state parks for fourth annual 'I Love My Park Day'

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Tue, Apr 28th 2015 02:30 pm

More than 6,000 anticipated to participate Saturday at 95 state parks and historic sites

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today reminded New Yorkers to sign up to volunteer at their favorite state park or historic site as part of the fourth annual "I Love My Park Day," to be held this Saturday, May 2. Volunteers who would like to support cleanup and beautification efforts at sites across the state can register at ptny.org/ilovemypark.

"From recreational opportunities to one-of-a-kind scenic beauty, New York has some of the best parks and historic sites in the nation, which also support tourism and economic activity in virtually every corner of the state," Cuomo said. "I Love My Park Day helps brings local communities together and helps ensure that these sites are maintained and preserved for future generations. I encourage everyone who can to come out this Saturday and join the effort to get New York's parks in top shape for the summer season."

This year, volunteers of all ages will help improve parks and historic sites through nearly 200 projects, ranging from general park cleanup such as debris and trash pick-up, or invasive plant and species removal, to beautification efforts such as planting flowers and trees, weed removal, reseeding, painting, installation of benches and picnic tables, trail maintenance and more.

State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, "It's inspiring to see the dedication from so many of our visitors as they participate in I Love My Park Day each year and work together on behalf of their state parks and historic sites. The grassroots effort complements Gov. Cuomo's commitment to revitalizing and transforming the state park system through his NY Parks 2020 plan, which will invest $900 million in public and private dollars to modernize our state park system. Our volunteers are vital partners in this effort to make our parks and sites the very best they can be."

Robin Dropkin, executive director of parks and trails in New York, said, "The creation of New York's remarkable park system was the work of friends, supporters and many ordinary citizens who believed in the importance of parks. This park legacy is a responsibility handed down from one generation to the next. Through I Love My Park Day, New Yorkers are able to step up and do their part for their parks. Parks help us all stay healthy and active, and by working together we can make them even better."

Local participating parks and historic sites include:

In addition to the events at state parks listed above, I Love My Park Day events also are being held at locally owned parks and historic sites, including Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew. There, the annual spring cleanup and textile drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Registration is required for the trail cleanup. Call 716-683-5959.

I Love My Park Day by the numbers

In 2014:

  • 83 participating parks and historic sites
  • 6,000 volunteers
  • 12,000 volunteer hours contributed

Growing in year four: 2015

  • 95 participating state parks and historic sites
  • More than 3,500 pre-registered and more than 6,000 volunteers expected
  • Continued partnership with NYS Commission on National & Community Service

I Love My Park Day builds on Cuomo's NY Parks 2020 plan, a multiyear commitment to leverage a broad range of private and public funding to invest approximately $900 million in State Parks from 2011-20. The governor committed $110 million to the effort in the 2015-16 state budget.

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