Rally opposing expected parks closures planned for Saturday in East Islip
Long Island Press - February - 18, 2010
FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2005 file photo, Jeanne Corbin of Port Washington, N.Y., reacts to the cool ocean water from a wave rushing over her legs as she sits in the sun at Jones Beach State Park near Wantagh, N.Y. New York's state parks system, the nation's oldest, is facing another round of funding cuts that could result in the closure of popular parks with attendance figures in the millions, such as Jones Beach and Niagara Falls. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
No nuptials at Niagara Falls? Jones Beach off limits on a 90-degree day? The “Grand Canyon of the East” devoid of campers?
New York’s state parks system, the nation’s oldest, is facing another round of funding cuts that is likely to result in the first budget-related closures in the system’s 125-year history. State officials say even popular parks at Niagara Falls and Jones Beach, with attendance figures in the millions, could be closed, along with such destinations as Letchworth, a popular hiking and camping spot ringing the rugged Genesee Gorge south of Rochester.
Up to 10 state parks on Long Island are reportedly on the chopping block, which has sparked outrage from parks advocates and politicians. LI is home to more than 20 state parks and historic sites that attract nearly 20 million visitors annually, according the state parks department.
“It’s going to be pretty bad. As bad as I’ve ever seen it,” said Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks & Trails New York, a 25-year-old nonprofit advocacy group.
Lisa Schary, a Long Island environmentalist and board member of Friends of Massapequa Preserve, said she predicted that there would be more cuts to come after the state parks department closed the East Bath House last summer.
“It’s not fair, these are public lands that we should have access to and they should not be taken away from us,” Schary said. “There is something wrong here when they’re going to balance the budgets on the backs of the ballfields once again.”
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Critics Decry Looming NY State Parks Closings
Rally opposing expected parks closures planned for Saturday in East Islip
Long Island Press - February - 18, 2010
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