Take Advantage Of Our Local Parks

New York is home to thousands of parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, from 164 state parks to hundreds of historic sites, campgrounds, trails and other public facilities. National Park and Recreation Month is a great reminder to take advantage of these opportunities, whether you prefer hiking a wooded trail or spending the afternoon on the water, revisiting a favorite spot or exploring somewhere new, enjoying a little peace and quiet or gathering with family and friends.

We’re especially fortunate to have outstanding outdoor destinations throughout the 120th Assembly District. Selkirk Shores, Sandy Island Beach and Mexico Point State Parks, the Fort Ontario State Historic Site, Sterling Nature Center, Southwick Beach, Breitbeck Park and many other local parks offer something for everyone. We have such an abundance of places to explore that listing them all would leave little room to discuss why they’re worth visiting in the first place (a great resource: VisitOswegoCounty.com).

It’s well documented that spending time outdoors benefits both your physical and mental well-being. Activities like taking a walk, going fishing, riding a bike or enjoying fresh air with your family reduce stress and provide a welcome break from the screens and distractions that occupy so much of our daily lives. And you don’t need an entire weekend to enjoy everything our local parks have to offer. Even an hour spent outdoors can be time well spent.

Of course, these parks don’t maintain themselves. Park and Recreation Month recognizes the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals, along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers, who maintain our country’s local, state and community parks.

Our parks are also an important part of our local economy. Across the country, local parks and recreation agencies generated nearly $201 billion in economic activity and supported almost 1.1 million jobs in 2021.

As summer continues, I encourage you to set aside some time to visit a park you’ve never been to or revisit one of your favorites. You don’t have to travel far to find a beautiful place to relax, recharge and enjoy time outdoors with family and friends.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at [email protected]. You may also find me, Assemblyman Will Barclay, on Facebook or X at @WillABarclay.