NEW YORK—The first-ever I Love My Park Day will take place this Saturday, when volunteers across the state will be called upon to help beautify parks and historic sites.
“New York state is home to over 213 magnificent state parks and historic sites. Millions of New Yorkers visit their parks every year for camping, recreation, relaxation, or simply to connect with nature or explore our history,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and Parks & Trails New York are collaborating for this inaugural event. Thirty-five state parks and historic sites are participating on Saturday by offering projects for cleanup, restoration, and planting.
In New York City, the East River State Park, a seven-acre waterfront park in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn with views on the Manhattan skyline, is asking for volunteers.
Besides beatification and restoration, another key objective of the day is to increase “visibility of the entire park system and its needs,” according to the OPRHP website.
More than 80 percent of New York state parks and historical sites are said to be in need of work. An $89 million New York Work’s Fund for the purpose of upgrading parks’ infrastructure was recently passed by the Legislature.
“I encourage New Yorkers who love their parks to roll up their sleeves and make it a success,” said State’s Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey.
To find an event to volunteer and register, visit http://www.ptny.org/ilovemypark/findanevent.shtm
