Historical News and Views from the Empire State
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced the introduction of online renewals for the 2019 Empire Pass beginning now through March 31, 2019.
By renewing online, customers can now enjoy greater convenience by keeping their card and receive a special loyalty savings of $10 per card for the 2019 season. [Read more…] about Online Empire Pass Renewal Discount Through March
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced a request for proposals (RFP) from potential private sector partners to design, build and install a monument in commemoration of famed abolitionist and suffragette Sojourner Truth.
The monument of Sojourner Truth will be sited at the Walkway Over the Hudson along the Empire State Trail in Ulster County, where she was born. Truth was born into slavery circa 1797, sold three times, and ultimately escaped to freedom in 1826. She went on to become a noted abolitionist and women’s rights advocate until her death in 1883. [Read more…] about Proposals Sought for Sojourner Truth Monument
Numerous state and local officials gathered with partners from the business and nonprofit communities of the Hudson Valley for the long-awaited opening of the $5.4 million Ulster Welcome Center at the western gateway to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park on Friday, June 29th.
[Read more…] about Walkway Over the Hudson Ulster Welcome Center Opens
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced 27 recruits graduated from the from the 15th Basic School of the New York State Park Police Academy.
The 27 recruits completed a six-month residential training program at the State Park Police Academy in Rensselaerville, Albany County. Training consisted of classroom education in Criminal Procedure Law, Penal Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Park and Recreation Law, criminal investigations and a host of other police related topics. In addition, the recruits received hands-on training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency vehicle operation and a wide variety of other law enforcement related topics. [Read more…] about NY State Park Police Academy Graduates 27
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced it is offering a 4 ½-month sale on the 2018 annual Empire Pass Card. Currently available online only the 2018 Empire Pass Card is a better and more cost effective way to enjoy the more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, recreational trails, boat launches and more.
The Empire Pass Card is a wallet-sized plastic card that can be shared among family members including parents, grandparents, caregivers and more. It is presented upon vehicle entry and includes QR code and embedded chip technology to allow for easier park access at select facilities. [Read more…] about State Parks ‘Empire Pass’ Card Sale Underway
A new economic impact study found that the New York State Park System and its visitors generated spending of about $5 billion, which supported nearly 54,000 jobs within the state of New York and over $2.8 billion in state GDP.
The study, by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts, was commissioned by the park advocacy group Parks & Trails New York.
The study, Economic Benefits of the New York State Park System, found that from April 2015 to March 2016, the 67 million visits to the New York State park system resulted in about $4 billion in spending by local and non-local visitors. This includes day trips and overnight trips, with visitors spending money on park entrance and use fees, sporting equipment, food and drink, transportation, lodging, and other expenses. Visitor spending has a multiplier effect, as jobs and revenues are created in supporting industries throughout the local economy. The total economic significance of the $4 billion in visitor spending is about 45,000 jobs and $2.4 billion additional state GDP according to the authors of the study. [Read more…] about Study: NYS Park System Supports $5B in Sales, 54k Jobs
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced the new State Parks Empire Pass Card is now available for purchase. The new Empire Pass Card, accepted at state parks and recreation areas across New York, is a wallet-sized plastic card that can be shared among family members including parents, grandparents, caregivers and more. The card is presented upon vehicle entry and includes QR code and embedded chip technology to allow for easier park access at select facilities. [Read more…] about New York State Unveils New Empire Pass Card