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New York State Council of Parks,Recreation & Historic Preservation

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

Table of Contents

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

Letter from the Chair 1

State Council of Parks Members 3

Priorities for 2008 4

NYS Parks and Historic Sites Overview 5

2008-09 FY Budget Recommendations 7

Capital Investment Needs 9

Achievements of Parks & Historic Site in 2007 13

State Board of Historic Preservation 19

Statewide Initiatives 20

Appendix 21

New York State Council of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Carol AshCommissioner

Eliot SpitzerGovernor

Lucy R. Waletzky, M.D.State Council Chair

Dear Governor Spitzer:

Greetings from the State Council of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.The Council comprises the Chairs of the eleven Regional Park Commissions, the Chair of the

State Board for Historic Preservation, and the Commissioners of State Parks and EnvironmentalConservation.

We are very happy to submit to you the State Council of Parks’ 2007 Annual Report. Thereport describes the State Council’s priorities for 2008, highlights the Office of Parks, Recre-ation and Historic Preservation’s achievements over the past year, and sets forth recommenda-tions for improving the stewardship of New York’s 213 State Parks and Historic Sites which havenearly 60 million yearly visitors.

While New York’s State parks face many challenges and opportunities, one issue is paramount:the state park system has suffered from decades of underinvestment, with the result that the parkshave developed a $650 million backlog of urgent capital projects. These include health andsafety concerns (outdated sewage treatment, water supply, and electrical systems; improperlyclosed landfills; underground tanks; and aging dams); pressing rehabilitation needs (deterioratedcampgrounds, bathhouses, swimming pools, recreation facilities, historic structures, naturecenters, roads, bridges, and boat launches); provision of public access to newly acquired parks; andnatural resource stewardship projects.

The state park system is an irreplaceable public asset that provides unparalleled recreationopportunities, enhances the health of its citizens, supports the state’s economic vitality and qualityof life, and harbors irreplaceable ecosystems and natural resources. A major new state effort isneeded to return New York’s parks to preeminence as the best state park system in the nation. Arenewed state investment in our parks and historic sites will serve as a model nationally as well.

Commissioner Ash’s visionary leadership, including establishing realistic numbers for thestatewide aging infrastructure problems faced by our State Parks and Historic Sites has energizedthe State Council of Parks. Accordingly, we look forward to helping Commissioner Ash’s effortsby assuming a new, more active role in addressing the funding of infrastructure needs of theindividual parks and sites in our regions.

The State Council of Parks is very appreciative of the public statements you have made in thepast several months acknowledging the need to invest in the state parks. We respectfully recom-mend that New York State commit to investing $650 million over the next four years in capitalimprovements to the state park system, beginning with a capital appropriation of at least $150million in the FY2008-09 State budget. The Council also recommends that OPRHP beprovided additional professional staff to enhance the agency’s operations, facilities maintenance,and engineering programs.

We would welcome the chance to meet with you and further outline the challenges facing ourbeautiful parks and historic sites.

With warm regards and appreciation of all your efforts as our Governor

Lucy R. Waletzky, M.D.Chair

1November 2007

STATE COUNCIL OF PARKS

Sitting: Julie Canfield, DEC, Andy Beers, Executive Deputy, NYS Parks, Carol Ash,Commissioner, NYS Parks, Lucy Waletzky M.D., Chair/Taconic Commission,Heather Mabee, Saratoga-Capital Commission, Edward Audi, Central Commission.Standing: Dalton Burgett, Allegany Commission, Edward Cox, New York CityCommission, Peter Humphrey, Genesee Commission, Linda Jackson, Finger LakesCommission, Robert MacKay, State Board of Historic Preservation, and HaroldJohnson II, Thousand Island Commission.

State Council of Parks and Regional ParkCommissions Composition, Powers and Duties

mendations regarding theiramendment or adoption; submitreports to the Governor, not lessthan once each year, concerningprogress in the area of stateparks, recreation and historicpreservation, including recom-mendations for the future, andcovering such other matters asthe council may deem appropri-ate; and act as a central advisoryagency on all matters affectingparks, recreation and historicpreservation.

The eleven Regional ParksCommissions, created by Article7 of PRHPL, represent each ofthe State Parks Regions, with theexception of the Palisades (whichis represented by the PalisadesInterstate Park Commission) andthe Adirondack & Catskill Park

Region (which is under thejurisdiction of the Department ofEnvironmental Conservation).Regional Commission membersmust be residents of the Stateand are appointed to seven yearterms by the Governor andconfirmed by the Senate, andserve without compensation.Regional Commissions serve as acentral advisory body on allmatters affecting parks, recre-ation, and historic preservationwithin their respective regions,with particular focus on theoperations of the State Parks andHistoric Sites. The Commis-sions are also charged withreviewing and approving theRegion’s annual budget requestprior to its submission to theCommissioner of State Parks.

The State Council of Parks,Recreation and Historic Preser-vation – usually known simply asthe “State Council of Parks” – isa 14-member body establishedby Article 5 of the State Parks,Recreation and Historic Preser-vation Law (PRHPL). The StateCouncil is comprised of theChairs of the eleven RegionalPark Commissions, the Chair ofthe State Board for HistoricPreservation, and the Commis-sioners of State Parks andEnvironmental Conservation.

As defined in PRHPL Sec-tion 5.09, the State Council’spowers and duties are to: Reviewthe policy, budget and statewideplans of Office of Parks, Recre-ation and Historic Preservation,and make appropriate recom-

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

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Lucy Waletzky,Chair and Taconic Commission

Dalton Burgett,Allegany Commission

Edward Audi,Central Commission

Linda Jackson,Finger Lakes Commission

Peter Humphrey,Genesee Commission

Herbert Balin,Long Island Commission

Edward Cox,New York City Commission

Jean Knox,Niagara Frontier Commission

Sam Pryor,Palisades Commission

Heather Mabee,Saratoga-Capital District Commission

Harold Johnson II,Thousand Islands Commission

Robert MacKay,State Board for Historic Preservation


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Over the past six months, theState Council of Parks has re-viewed its operations and activi-ties, and identified several priori-ties for the coming years:

1. The Council will focusparticular emphasis on thesingle largest challenge facingthe State Parks and HistoricSites – the need to significantlyincrease OPRHP’s capitalbudget to address the rehabili-tation and reconstruction ofaging infrastructure across theState parks system;

2. Park Commission memberswill be encouraged to becomefully educated about the chal-lenges and opportunities facingthe parks and sites in theirregion – and to advocate forpark and historic site needs withelected officials, communityleaders, and parks and historicpreservation organizations;

3. The State Council andRegional Commissions willwork to strengthen “friendsgroups” to leverage volunteerefforts to support State Parksand Historic Sites; and

4. Commission members willbe encouraged to participatein private fundraising effortsto advance high prioritycapital projects.

In addition, State CouncilChair Lucy Waletzky andCommissioner Carol Ash willregularly attend RegionalCommission meetings tofacilitate their active engage-ment and keep them fullyinformed of ongoing parks andhistoric site activities through-out the State. These prioritiesare summarized in a new “Rolesand Responsibilities” documentattached as an Appendix to thisreport.

Priorities for 2008

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1 The term “state park system” as used in this report refers to New York’s 178 State Parks and 35 State Historic Sites.

Niagara Falls State Park

New York State Parks and Historic Sites Overview

OPRHP isresponsible foroperating anextensive networkof public recre-ational facilitiesthat includes5,000 buildings,

29 golf courses, 53 swimmingpools, 76 beaches,27 marinas, 40 boatlaunching sites, 18 naturecenters, 817 cabins,8,355 campsites, morethan 1,350 miles oftrails, extensive utilitysystems, 106 dams,hundreds of miles ofroads, and 604 bridges.

New York State’s Parksystem has long beenrecognized as a nationalleader. Among the fifty states, werank first in the number of operat-ing facilities, and first in the totalnumber of campsites. We are fifthin total acreage and third in totalannual visitation. Attendance atNiagara Falls State Park is greaterthan that of Grand Canyon andYosemite National Parks com-

Jones Beach State Park

bined, and more than twice asmany people visit Jones Beach eachyear than visit Yellowstone.Niagara Falls is the oldest Statepark in the nation andWashington’s Headquarters is thefirst property acquired with publicfunds for the express purpose ofhistoric preservation and patriotic

visitation. The Bethpage Blackwas the first publicly-owned golf

course to host theU.S. Open GolfChampionship. The109th United StatesOpen Champion-ship® will returnthere in 2009.

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

Lake Taughkanic State Park

The State Park system1 is oneof New York’s greatest treasuresand is the finest in the nation.In the 122 years since thecreation of Niagara ReservationState Park in 1885 – the oldeststate park in the nation – thesystem has grown to 213 StateParks and Historic Sites encom-passing 325,000 acres of pro-tected lands and waters. NewYork’s Parks and Historic Sitesprovide affordable outdoorrecreation and education oppor-tunities toalmost 60million visi-tors each year.These facili-ties contributeto the eco-nomic vitalityand quality oflife of localcommunities and directly sup-port New York’s tourism industry.Parks also provide clean waterand clean air and habitat forplants, wildlife, and ecosystems,and protect historic resourcesand cultural landscapes that aredefining features of New YorkState.

The Office of Parks, Recre-ation and Historic Preservationis responsible for the operationand stewardship of the state parksystem, as well as advancing astatewide parks, historic preser-vation, open space protection,and smart growth mission. Theagency is staffed by 2,240 perma-nent employees and more than5,000 seasonal positions, with an“all funds” operating budget ofapproximately $260 million.Drawing upon these resources,

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Indian Hills Golf Course

Sterling Forest® State Park

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2007 ANNUAL REPORT

2008-09 Fiscal Year Budget Recommendationsto maintaining and operating ourparks and historic sites across theagency’s eleven park regions.

Last fall, a statewide parksadvocacy group, Parks and TrailsNew York, issued an independentreport entitled “Parks at a Turn-ing Point: Restoring and En-hancing New York’s State ParkSystem.” This report recognizedNew York’s magnificent parksand historic sites, but highlightedurgent capital and operationsfunding needs for the agency.The Parks and Trails reportmade several recommendations,most notably calling for a majornew capital investment initiativeto re-invigorate the State parksand historic sites.

This year’s state budget(FY2007-08) is an importantfirst step in recognizing StateParks’ funding needs. Theagency’s total budget included a5% increase ($10.7 million)over the adjusted amount avail-able in FY 2006-07 and a 10%increase in General Fund sup-port for State Parks. The budgetrestored 52 agency staff posi-tions, which the agency allocatedas follows: 14 positions to staffnew facilities and parks comingon line this year; 10 additionalfacility maintenance positions;13 additional Park Police posi-tions; 10 new environmentalstewardship positions; and fivenew positions in the HistoricPreservation Field ServicesBureau. The budget also pro-vided new funding to operatenewly-acquired and developedparks, including Midway StatePark, Two Rivers State Park, andthe Indian Hills Golf Course inthe Southern Tier; Sterling

Simply stated, the StateParks System is suffering fromdecades of underinvestment,with the result that the parks’recreational facilities andinfrastructure are stretched tothe breaking point.

As summarized in the “An-nual Highlights” section of thisreport, over the past yearOPRHP has launched a numberof positive projects and initia-tives to enhance the parks andhistoric sites. However, NewYork State’s parks and historicsites face very significant chal-lenges. Simply stated, the Stateparks system is suffering fromdecades of underinvestment, withthe result that the parks’ recre-ational facilities and infrastruc-ture are stretched to the breakingpoint. Many parks have signifi-cant health and safety concernsthat require attention, such asoutdated water supply systems,wastewater treatment plants,electrical systems, and dams. Inaddition, many of our parkbuildings and infrastructure –our visitor centers, recreationalfacilities, cabins, campgrounds,swimming pools, nature centers,and historic buildings – are agingand deteriorating, diminishingthe outdoor experience for thenearly 60 million people thatcome to our parks every year.And, in the last twelve years, theState parks system has expandedby more than 25%, with 66,000acres and 26 new parks. We needto provide basic amenities andrecreational facilities to allow thepublic to fully enjoy these newparks.

While the challenges facingthe State park system have beengrowing, OPRHP’s capitalbudget has not. State parks hasfewer capital dollars today than ithad twelve years ago. Similarly,over this period the agency lostapproximately 250 full-timestaff positions that were devoted

Forest®, Fort Montgomery, andthe Purple Heart Hall of Honorin the Hudson Valley; and theSpringbrook Golf Course at FairHaven Beach, the redevelopedcamping areas at Robert Mosesand Coles Creek State Parks, andimprovements along theCanalway Trail in Central NewYork. In addition, the budgetprovided an increase of approxi-mately $5 million to OPRHP’scapital budget.

• Remediation of ExistingFacilities (Total = $440million). This category is byfar the largest, comprisingmore than 60% of OPHRP’stotal identified capital need.It encompasses capitalmaintenance andrehabilitation of existinginfrastructure in the parksand historic sites – replacingfacilities that invariably wearout over time such as roofs,heating and plumbing systems,contact stations, campgrounds,boat launches, picnic shelters,recreation fields, pools andswimming areas, visitorcenters, bathrooms, roads,parking areas, andmaintenance centers. It alsoincludes a significant backlogof repair and maintenanceneeds for historic buildingsand structures at our historicsites, as well as energy-efficiency investments in agingbuildings. The NeedsAssessment does not attemptto capture every possibleexisting need in this category,but rather catalogues highpriority needs that requireattention.

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

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• New FacilitiesDevelopment(Total = $85million). Thiscategory capturescapital investmentsneeded to developnew facilities –primarily public useamenities at themany new Stateparks acquired overthe past decade.

Many of our newest parksconsist of a sign, a car pull-off, and little else.Investments are needed to

create contact stations,parking areas, restrooms,picnic and swimming areas,marked trails, to make thesenew acquisitions available tothe public.

• Natural ResourceStewardship (Total = $35million). The State Parks’natural resources – plants,wildlife, and ecosystems –face many threats, such aspollution of lakes and rivers,impaired wetlands, invasivespecies, soil erosion, globalwarming, and sea level rise.The Needs Assessmentidentifies a number of park-

Bleachery at Peebles Island State Park

Electrical panel atClarence Fahnestock State Park

Basketball court at Allegany State Park

Capital Investment NeedsThe funding increases

provided to State Parks this yearwill support vitally importantpositions and projects and isgreatly appreciated. However,more needs to be done. OPRHPhas initiated a comprehensiveassessment of the agency’s capitalinvestment needs, developing adetailed list of priority projectsat each of New York’s 213 StateParks and Historic Sites. Todate this assessment hasidentified more than 770 criticalcapital projects with a total costexceeding $650 million.OPRHP’s capital needs havebeen categorized into four areas:

• Health and SafetyProjects (Total = $95million). Through itsongoing environmental auditprogram, OPRHP hasidentified out-of-compliancesewage treatment and

drinking water supplysystems, undergroundpetroleum tanks, dams andbridges that have beenflagged as potential hazards,inactive landfills that werenever properly closed, andsubstandard electricalsystems.

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Capital Investment Needs . . . continued


specific projects to restorehabitats and ecosystemsneeded to assure that naturalresources in the State parksremain “unimpaired forfuture generations.”

Fund was envisioned as a $300million, ten-year commitment toaddress an identified backlog ofcapital and infrastructure needs,to be comprised of a $9 millionState General Fund componentmatched to a $21 million in userfees. The intent of the legisla-tion was that agency capitalinvestments would grow as userfees grew, enabling the agency toaddress its long-term needs.However, although agency rev-enues more than doubled (from$36 million in FY1991-92 to$81 million in FY2006-07),funding available for SPIFcapital projects actually de-creased. As a result of Statebudget cuts, the original commit-

ment toprovide a $9million annualGeneral Fund“match”componentwas elimi-nated, and asnoted abovemore than $6million inoverhead staff

costs were transferred from theGeneral Fund to SPIF. Overthis same time period, the size ofthe State park system grew bymore than 25% and 26 newState parks were added.

Although SPIF is the agency’sprimary capital funding program,OPRHP receives smalleramounts of capital funds fromother sources including theEnvironmental Protection Fund,the federal Land & Water Fund,mitigation payments, and privatecontributions. Combining SPIF

To date this assessmenthas identified more than770 critical capital projectswith a total cost exceeding$650 million.

and these other sources, approxi-mately $40 million is availableto OPRHP this year (FY2007-08) to undertake capital con-struction projects. This level ofcapital funding is inadequate toaddress the very large backlog ofurgent capital needs facing theagency. Plain and simple, $40million annually cannot begin toaddress capital needs that exceed$650 million.

New York State must signifi-cantly increase capital fundingfor the State parks and historicsites. We applaud GovernorSpitzer’s recent statementsacknowledging the need toincrease New York’s investmentin the State park system anddirecting Commissioner CarolAsh to develop a funding plan toaddress this critical need. Giventhe magnitude of the needs, thischallenge can only be solvedthrough a sustained, comprehen-sive effort. The State Council ofParks recommends that NewYork State commit to investing$650 million over the next fouryears in capital improvements tothe state park system, beginningwith a capital appropriation of atleast $150 million in theFY2008-09 State Budget.

OPRHP’s principal source ofcapital funding is the State ParkInfrastructure Fund (SPIF), adedicatedrevenue fundwhich is derivedfrom a portionof park user feerevenues andcontract pay-ments. Overthe past tenyears, SPIFcapital fundshave averaged$26.1 millionannually. However, more than$6 million of agency staffingcosts for engineering services andpreventive maintenance, previ-ously paid for by the State’sGeneral Fund, were transferredto SPIF, leaving less than $20million for actual projects annu-ally. The annual “project fundingamount” available though SPIFtoday is actually less than theagency’s pre-SPIF capital budget.

When it was enacted in 1992,the State Park Infrastructure

Parking lot at Clarence Fahnestock State Park

In addition to increasedcapital funding, the StateCouncil of Parks recommendsthat that FY2008-09 budgetauthorize the restoration ofOPRHP staff positions toenhance the agency’s capacityin several high-priority areas:

• New Facilities Operations.OPRHP requires additionalstaff to operate several newlyopened and expanded parks.For example, the agency hasassumed increased securityand maintenance responsi-bilities due to the transfer ofthe remainder of the formerKings Park PsychiatricCenter to Nissequogue RiverState Park on Long Island.

• Skilled Maintenance Staff.We appreciate the restorationof 10 maintenance positionsin this year’s budget. How-ever, they represent only afraction of the many skilledtrades positions lost over thepast decade. Increasedmaintenance staff – carpen-ters, electricians, plumbers,stone masons, and mechanics– are needed to maintain theparks’ extensive infrastruc-ture.

• Engineering / CapitalProjects Management.Additional engineering andcontract management staffare needed to enableOPRHP to efficientlydesign, permit, and overseethe agency’s capital construc-tion program.

Nissequogue River State Park

Robert V. Riddell State Park

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

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Despite the size and scope of unmet capitalfunding needs, OPRHP continues to make greatstrides in advancing the agency’s mission, which is“The mission of the Office or Parks, Recreation andHistoric Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyablerecreation and interpretation opportunities for all NewYork State residents and visitors and to be responsiblestewards of our valuable natural, historic, and culturalresources.” The agency is fortunate to have a tal-ented and hard-working staff, comprised of 2,240permanent staff and more than 5,000 seasonalpositions, that are dedicated to provide high-qualityrecreation and educational experiences for the morethan 55 million people that visit the State Parksand Historic Sites every year. Below is a shortsampling of highlights and successes achieved overthe past year.

Midway State Park

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Achievements of Parks and Historic Sites in 2007

Allegany Region

• Midway State Park Grand Opening. On May25, 2007, the Allegany Region opened MidwayState Park as a new State Park facility. Thishistoric park, located on the shoreline ofChautauqua Lake, is one of the oldestamusement parks in nation and is the onlyfacility of its kind in our system. Midway is alsothe first State Park added in the Allegany regionduring the past 50 years. Allegany RegionalCommissioner Chair Dalton Burgett played aleadership role in the creation of this new park.

• Allegany State Park Black Bear ManagementProgram. The Allegany Region implemented asignificant change in the process of disposal ofrefuse generated by the one million plus visitorsto Allegany State Park by constructing new

centralized, bear-proof refuse collection andrecycling centers in the Quaker and Red Houseareas. The centers have been well received by asupportive public and have proven very effectivein keeping black bear and other wildlife awayfrom the refuse, as well as providing anadditional benefit of reducing operating costs.The public education component of the planwas expanded and the enforcement of park rulesand regulations was increased this year to fullyimplement the region’s Black Bear ManagementProgram.

Central Region

• Green Lakes State Park Old AdministrationBuilding.OPRHPstaff areundertakinga restorationof thehistoric OldAdministrationBuilding,

designed by Laurie Cox and built in 1929.

Allegany State Park

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

Green Lakes State Park

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Restoration completed to date, at cost of$50,000, includes a new roof, updatedelectrical, new light fixtures, and door, window,and exterior stair repair. After 20 years of non-use, the building is now available for eventrentals, with the next phase seeking to make thestructure handicapped accessible, including newrestrooms, and repair of badly deterioratedexterior masonry.

• Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park. Bettyand WilburDavisdonated this205-acreproperty toOPRHP in2000, andsince thenhave providedprivatefinancial

contributions totaling $1.3 million that haveenabled OPRHP to construct six contemporarycabin-style vacation rentals on this passive-recreation park. OPRHP provided all designand engineering services, from concept planningto construction management/supervision, tocomplete the cabin project over three years.Work continues today to improve picnic areas,shelters, trails and fishing access.

Finger Lakes Region

• Soaring Eagles State Golf Course. OPRHP isnearing the completion of a new clubhouse at

Soaring Eagles Golf Course. State Parkscompleted the majority of the construction withour own staff at a total cost of $850,000,funded through SPIF. The old clubhouse wasin very poor condition and State Parks hasreceived many positive compliments about thenew facility.

• Taughannock Falls State Park SummerConcert Series. OPRHP organized a seven-week concert series on Saturday evenings in July

and August. Park staff organized the entireevent, booking the music, sound systemcontract, posters, brochures and working withthe private sector securing the sponsorships.The series, held on the lawn overlookingCayuga Lake, was very successful and wasenjoyed by thousands of visitors.

Genesee Region

• Lakeside Beach State Park CampgroundRehabilitation. OPRHP rehabilitated theelectrical system supporting the 274-site

Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park


Soaring Eagles State Golf Course

Taughannock Falls State Park

Lakeside Beach State Park

campground at Lakeside Beach (thecampground was closed in 2006 when theelectric system failed). All sites were upgradedto 30- or 50-amp service , new stone camperpads were installed, drainage was significantlyimproved, and the campground roads wererepaved as part of this $1.5 million project.

• Hamlin Beach State Park InterpretiveProgram. A long-term seasonal employee witha teaching background in environmentalsciences washired toestablish anInterpretiveProgram atHamlin BeachState Park. Heis developingregularlyscheduledprograms,special events,roving interpretation, community outreachprograms and is assisting the seasonal CamperRecreation staff.

Long Island Region

• Planting Fields Arboretum State HistoricPark Visitors Center. In June, OPRHP

celebratedthe openingof the newVisitorCenter andRegionalArchives intherenovatedHay Barn atPlantingFields

Arboretum. Funded through $5 million instate funds and $3 in private gifts through thePlanting Fields Foundation, the Visitor Centerincludes interpretive displays, a gift shop, foodservice café, expanded horticultural library,interactive activities for children, classroomsand public meeting space, and administrative

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

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offices for the Arboretum staff. The regionalarchives house more than 100,000 photographicnegatives, photographs, and reel to reel films andthousands of engineering design plans detailingthe history of Long Island State Parks from the1920s through the 1980s.

• Caumsett State Historic Park MansionRestoration. During May and June, OPRHPand the Caumsett Foundation hosted a DesignerShowcase in the Main House Mansion. Theshowcase organizers completed a majorrenovation of the mansion including structuralimprovements, amenity enhancements, anddonated equipment valued at more than

$500,000. In addition, over a $120,000 wasraised for the Caumsett Foundation and StateParks received $5,000 for improvements atCaumsett.

• Playground Improvements. The Long IslandRegion has initiated a replacement program of

antiquatedplaygroundequipment toenhancerecreationalopportunitiesand meet safetystandards at anumber ofState Parks

including Heckscher, Hither Hills, HempsteadLake, Valley Stream, Orient, Wildwood, Bethpageand Nissequoge River. To date, the region hasexpended more than $300,000 funded throughagency capital and OTPS funds, the NaturalHeritage Trust, and the non-profit Foundation forLong Island State Parks.

Hamlin Beach State Park

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Caumsett State Historic Park

Long Island Region

New York City Region

• East River State Park Opening. On July 3,OPRHP opened the new East River State Park

in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This 7.5-acrereclamation of the former industrial BrooklynEastern District Terminal site anchors theplanned revitalization of New York City’sGreenpoint-Williamsburg waterfront.

• Roberto Clemente State Park Restoration.This summer, OPRHP initiated a majorrehabilitation of Roberto Clemente State Park inthe Bronx. This multi-year, $20 millioninitiative will be entirely funded throughmitigation dollars provided by New York City

Department of Environmental Protection, aspart of the settlement for the construction of theCity’s new water filtration plant in Van CortlandtPark. The project will include rehabilitation ofaquatic facilities, basketball courts, softball andsoccer fields, and picnic areas.

Niagara Frontier Region

• Niagara Falls State Park Visitor CenterTheatre. In May, OPRHP opened the newly

improvedAdventureTheatre withinthe NiagaraFalls State ParkVisitor Center.DestinationCinema, privateconcessionaire,entered into a

five-year license with State Parks and invested$500,000 in capital funds to rehabilitate theformer Festival Theatre and operate their film,“Niagara, Miracles, Myths and Magic”, a filmwhich provides an interpretation of the historyand geology of Niagara Falls. Attendance in thetheater has far exceeded expectations.Additionally, OPRHP will allocate the$100,000 concession license fee to makerepairs to the leaking roof of the Visitor Center.

• Niagara Falls “Passportto the Falls”. The sale ofthe Passport to the Falls,which allows parkvisitors to access themajor venues withinNiagara Falls StatePark, has increaseddramatically in2007. This yearOPRHP enhanced itsmarketing effort within the parkand in the community. Despite increasing thecost of the Passport by $3, OPRHP has realizeda 38% increase numbers of Passports sold and a64% increase in revenue, amounting to a $1.3million increase through Labor Day.

Palisades Region

• Harriman State Park Water Systems. The46,600-acre Harriman State Park, locatedwithin 20 miles of New York City, includesbeaches, cabins, campsites, and 31 group campsserving 190,000 children and adults. OPRHP


East River State Park

Roberto Clemente State Park

Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center

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2007 ANNUAL REPORT

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rehabilitated the park’s water system to meetnew federal potable water quality standards. Ina three-year, $12.2 million project completedlast April, OPRHP constructed 2 new watertreatment plants, 3 water storage tanks, 1 waterpumping station, 17.25 miles of new waterdistribution lines.

• National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Thenew National Purple Heart Hall of Honor,located in New Windsor Cantonment StateHistoric Site, is the nation’s only permanentarchive, educational center and memorial solelydedicated to Purple Heart recipients andcommemorating their extraordinary sacrifices.Many years in the making, construction wascompleted in November, 2006 and includingthe main building with gallery/exhibit spaces,data terminals, video recording studio, multi-purpose conference/classroom space, court yard,parking, lighting, and landscaping. Funding forthis $5.9 million project was secured from avariety of sources including the EPF, SPIF,ESDC, and HUD.

Saratoga-Capital Region

• Saratoga Performing Arts CenterRehabilitation Project. OPRHP and SPACcompleted an entire renovation of the interior ofthe SPAC amphitheater, including new seatingand upgrade of the ballet rehearsal halls. The

first majorrehabilitationof theamphitheatersince itopened in1966, theproject wasa keycomponentof thecurrentSPAC

turnaround and revival. Funding was providedthrough $2.1 million of State Parks funding anda $2.0 million legislative member item.

• Moreau Lake State Park BathhouseRenovation. OPRHP renovated thedeteriorated 1970’s bathhouse to meet public

expectations and current ADA requirements at acost of $200,000. The beach at Moreau LakeState Park is one of the region’s top attractions.The new family changing rooms and othermodern bathhouse features opened on the

July 4th weekend.

Harriman State Park

National Purple Heart Hall of Honor

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Moreau Lake State Park


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Taconic Region

• Lake Taghkanic State Park Recreation HallProject. Utilizing a mix of SPIF andSnowmobile Grant Funds, OPRHP renovated

this building located in the campground into amodern “family friendly” facility includingwinterized bathroom facilities for four-seasonuse. The project was completed by OPRHP’sCapital Construction crew at a cost of$125,000.

• Taconic State Park Copake Falls Cabins.OPRHP’s Capital Construction crew completedtherefurbishmentof anotherGreenwichCamp cabininto a full-servicerental cabinwhichopened for rental in April. These buildingswere deteriorated and unusable before therenovations and have been very well received bythe public. The $100,000 project includedfunds from the Land and Water ConservationFund (LWCF) with a 50% match from SPIF.

• Mills-Norrie State Park Staatsburgh SchoolRehabilitation. OPRHP has received a majorgift from Council Chair Dr. Lucy Waletzky thatwill enable the agency to adaptively reuse thevacant Staatsburgh School property as the new

Taconic Regional Headquarters. Therestoration will receive LEED green buildingcertification.

Lake Taghkanic State Park

Taconic State Park

Mills Norrie State Park

Robert Moses State Park

Thousand Islands Region

• Robert Moses and Coles Creek State ParksRehabilitation. OPRHP is in the third year ofconstruction on a five-year project tocompletely rehabilitate and expand recreational

facilities at Robert Moses and Coles CreekState Parks in St. Lawrence County. The$11.2 million project is funded by the NewYork Power Authority (NYPA) as the result of arelicensing agreement between NYPA, theFederal Energy Regulatory Commission(FERC), and OPRHP.

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2007 ANNUAL REPORT

Rock Island Lighthouse

State Board for Historic Preservation

• Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program.New York State’s first-ever tax incentives forrehabilitation of historic commercial andresidential structures were enacted in 2006.Under this new State legislation, State andNational Register-listed residential structures indistressed areas are eligible for a state incometax credit covering 20% of rehabilitation costs,up to a maximum credit of $25,000. Inaddition, National Register-listed or -eligiblecommercial properties that qualify for the FederalRehabilitation Tax Credit now qualify for anadditional New York State credit amounting to30% of the federal credit value, up to amaximum State credit of $100,000. New YorkState is a national leader in use of the federalcredit, and a state-level incentive will furthercatalyze federal credit use and economic andrehabilitation activity.

PreservationHistoric

Plan

grant (SAFETEALU) for the rehabilitationand interpretation of Rock Island LighthouseStation located in the St. Lawrence River inthe heart of the Thousand Islands. The grant,to be matched with $200,000 in State funds,will expand dockage; provide water, sewer andelectrical services on the island; rehabilitatethe lighthouse, keeper’s quarters and four otherassociated buildings; and establish a maritimemuseum interpreting the role of Rock IslandLight in the overall history of the St. LawrenceSeaway.

• Rock Island Lighthouse. OPRHP received a$900,000 federal transportation enhancement

• New York State Historic Preservation Plan.OPRHP has initiated the development of NewYork’s 2007-2011 StatePreservation Plan.The planningprocess will heightenpreservationawareness, educate adiverse audience about thebenefits of preservation, and develop strategicgoals that expand preservation and communityimprovement efforts around the state. Theplanning process, conducted in cooperation withthe National Park Service, also helps to engageand inform the public about how preservationand planning can be used together to improve andenhance the quality, character, and economicvitality of neighborhoods and communitiesacross New York.

20

Statewide InitiativesIn addition to the central focus on revitalizing

the State Parks and Historic Sites throughincreased capital funding, OPRHP has identifiedthree additional priority themes for the agency:

• Natural Resource Stewardship andInterpretation. OPRHP is enhancing itscapacity to understand, conserve, and interpretthe incredible wealth of plants, animals, andecosystems that reside with the State parks andhistoric sites. This year, the agency is adding 10new natural resource stewardship staff alongwith two new Natural Heritage programscientists. Later this year, OPRHP will initiatethe development of an EnvironmentalInterpretation Plan that surveys existingeducation efforts across the agency and setsforth strategies for expanding ourenvironmental programming efforts. Theagency has also launched a renewedcommitment to completing Master Plans toguide management and development of theState Parks. Eleven State parks have beenselected for Master Plans over the next severalyears: Saratoga Spa, Caumsett, Jamesport,Minnewaska, Two Rivers, Midway, Allegany,Fahnestock, East River, Wellesley Island, andGreen Lakes.

• Connections and Smart Growth. In additionto managing the state parks and historic sites,OPRHP is charged with advancing a statewideparks, recreation, open space, and historicpreservation mission. The agency must ensurethat landscapes and buffer lands that surroundthe parks are protected from encroachingdevelopment and incompatible land uses.OPRHP should foster the development of“connections” of protected lands, greenways, andtrails so that people and wildlife can moveacross New York’s landscapes. And the agencyshould engage in “Smart Growth” efforts inlocal communities across the state. As a firststep in this effort, OPRHP has launched acomprehensive review of its various grant

programs, including the EnvironmentalProtection Fund. The goal is to enhance theeffectiveness of these programs through whichthe agency distributes more than $30 millionannually in matching grants to localgovernments and non-profit organizations.

• Sustainability. OPRHP has adopted a goal ofbecoming a leading state agency incorporatingenergy efficiency, green design, LEEDcertification, recycling, and green productprocurement into all of the agency’s activitiesand programs. The agency has hired a newSustainability Coordinator to lead these efforts.State Parks already has the largest alternative-fueled vehicle fleet of any state agency, and theagency is testing new prototypes of electricvehicles and equipment.

ConclusionThese accomplishments demonstrate that

OPRHP has a strong foundation to build on – toput to good use increased capital funding to revital-ize New York’s State Parks and Historic Sites –returning New York’s State Parks and Historic Sitesto the best park system in the nation.


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2007 ANNUAL REPORT

Appendix 1:Roles & Responsibilities of State Counciland Regional Commission Members

Roles and Responsibilities:Members, State Council of Parks,

Recreation and Historic PreservationSeptember 14, 2007

The State Council, created by Article 5 of PRHPL, consists of the Chairs of theeleven Regional Parks Commissions (including a representative of the Palisades InterstatePark Commission), the Chair of the State Board of Historic Preservation, the Commissionerof State Parks, and the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, The Governorappoints the Chair and Vice Chair of the State Council. The Council meets at least fourtimes per year through in-person meetings and conference calls. The Council’s statutoryresponsibilities include:

• Act as a central advisory agency on all matters affecting parks, recreation, and historicpreservation.

• Review the policy, budget, and statewide plans of the agency and make appropriaterecommendations regarding their amendment or adoption.

• Submit reports to the Governor, not less than once each year, concerning progress inthe area of State Parks, recreation, and historic preservation.

To advance these responsibilities, State Council of Parks members shall:

1. Endeavor to attend all State Council of Parks meetings.

2. During State Council meetings and through other channels, educate other CouncilMembers, the State Parks Commissioner, and other Executive and OPRHP Staffabout issues, priorities, challenges, and opportunities within their respective regions.

3. Communicate State Council and agency priorities and initiatives to all RegionalCommission members. Encourage, motivate, and support fellow RegionalCommissioners to enable them to fully engage in State Parks issues.

4. Become educated about statewide parks, recreation, and historic preservation issues.

5. Develop and submit a written annual Report to the Governor each October.

6. Undertake all responsibilities of Regional Parks Commissioners (attached).


The ten Regional Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissions, created by Article 7 of PRHPL,represent each State Parks region, with the exception of the Palisades (represented by the Palisades InterstatePark Commission) and the Adirondack/Catskill park region. Each Regional Commission consists of seven tofourteen members (the number for each commission is set in law). All Commission members, who must beresidents of the state, are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for seven year terms. TheGovernor designates the chair of each Commission. Each Regional Commission meets at least four times peryear. The Regional Commissions are charged with acting as a central advisory body on all matters affectingparks, recreation, and historic preservation within their respective regions, with particular focus on theoperations of the State Parks and Historic Sites.

To advance these responsibilities, Regional Parks Commissioners shall:

1. Endeavor to attend all Regional Parks Commission meetings.

2. Learn about the operations, priorities, and programs of the Region, and participate in the annual reviewand approval of the regional budget. Remain in regular contact with the Regional Director. Visit asmany State Parks and Historic Sites in the region as possible, and become acquainted with regional staffand park managers.

3. Serve as an advocate for the State Parks and Historic Sites within the region, including:

• “Adopt” one or more State Parks, or Historic Sites, so that every Park and Site in the region has aRegional Commissioner with whom they have a special relationship. Actively participate in theformation or enhancement of Friends’ Groups, including considering making personal financialcontributions, and assisting in fundraising efforts.

• Meet with State Legislators and other elected officials to educate them about issues, challenges andopportunities facing State Parks and Historic Sites and advocate for State Park funding and policypriorities.

4. Enlist the support of parks user groups, environmental and historic preservation organizations, landtrusts, local community and business leaders, tourism officials, and other partners to advance StateParks goals and priorities.

5. Become educated about parks, recreation, and historic preservation issues throughout the region, withparticular emphasis on issues – such as inappropriate development, sprawl, illegal ATVs, climate change,invasive species, etc. – that threaten State Parks and Historic Sites. Testify or appear as appropriate atenvironmental review hearings, local planning meetings, etc. regarding proposed projects that impactpark and historic site resources.

6. Participate as appropriate in continuing education opportunities such as: attending the annual FacilitiesManagers conference; participating in Park Master Planning, trailway development, and parklanddesignation efforts (such as Bird Conservation Areas and Natural Heritage Areas) for individual parks;and attending parks, open space, and historic preservation conferences and training programs.

7. Assist in identifying qualified individuals to fill vacant Regional Commission positions.

Regional Park, Recreation and Historic PreservationCommissions Members’ Roles and Responsibilities22

New York State Council of Parks,Recreation and Historic Preservation

The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State PlazaAgency Building 1

Albany, New York 12238518-486-1868

Fax: 518-486-2924

new york state council of parks, recreation & historic ...beautiful parks and historic sites....

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