Yurts make their entrance to local state parks

Open house allows up-close look at newest accommodation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced the arrival of yurts at Four Mile Creek State Park. The public is invited to check out these newest accommodations on Friday, Sept. 6, from 5 until 7 p.m., as well as Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

While the term "yurt" may not be a household word, these structures are the next big thing for campers who enjoy being outdoors but not completely "roughing it." Used traditionally by nomads in Central Asia, Four Mile Creek State Park in Youngstown is the site of the first local set of yurts, which are wood lattice framed structures with heavy-duty re-enforced fabric sides and insulated liners. They have windows, a domed roof and wood floors, and are being constructed by crews from New York State Parks.

Yurts will include six cots and mattresses, as well as a refrigerator and a microwave. Selected yurts are handicap accessible.

Yurts will also come to Golden Hill State Park and Evangola State Park and be available for rental next season.

"We are very excited to roll out this new option for our campers. Not everyone has all the equipment to enjoy tent camping or may not want to travel with that much gear, but they still are seeking a rustic experience. Yurts are a great way for people to have that option and we are thrilled to be introducing them in our system. We anticipate that they will be well received and we look forward to building more throughout the state," said New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey.

The yurts at Four Mile Creek will be available for rental at www.nysparks.com as of Sept. 9, and will cost $310 per week or $77.50 per day. The yurts at Golden Hill and Evangola will be available next season.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation maintains and oversees 179 parks and 35 state historic sites. For more information about state parks and historic sites in New York, visit www.nysparks.com.