Thousands Want to Save State Park
More than 8,000 Facebook users are supporting Senator Catharine Young’s (R,C,I – Olean) efforts to keep the Quaker Lake area of the Allegany State park open, and many supporters are expected to attend a rally there on Saturday, she said.
Sen. Young said Governor Paterson has issued plans to close or restrict services at 55 parks and historic sites across the state. Allegany State Park would have sharply reduced recreational programs, including closing of the beach area and cabins, and elimination of winter trails in the Quaker section of the park.
The Facebook group, “Save Allegany State Park”, has attracted over 8,000 followers since it was created a week ago and is being used to discuss the rally and petitions and share news about the budget cuts, which could also impact Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake.
Sen. Young, who will host the rally scheduled at noon on Saturday, said that while the proposed closure would do little to help the state’s budget deficit, it would have a negative impact on the region’s economy.
“We all recognize that we are confronted by challenging fiscal realities, but our parks provide a diverse and quantifiable range of benefits that immeasurably improve our quality of life and our economy. Closing or cutting services at these parks is the wrong strategy at the wrong time,” said Sen. Young.
The Governor’s proposed park closings would save an estimated $6.3 million, which would amount to “a fraction of 1 percent of the state’s $9 billion budget deficit,” according to Sen. Young. Officials from New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are projecting budget savings of only $171,000 in Allegany State Park and $43,000 by closing Long Point State park.
According to a 2009 study conducted by the Political Economy Research Institute of the University of Massachusetts, the New York state park system generates nearly $1.9 billion every year in benefits for state and local economies, and that for every $1 the state spends on the park system, $5 in economic activity is produced.
“The plan to close parks could not come at a worse time, especially when you consider that every dollar spent on these parks goes right back into the economy multiple times,” said Sen. Young. “In this economy every penny counts and right now we need to invest in things like our park system that will help to get people back to work and encourage economic growth.”
Sen. Young also has started an online petition to give park supporters another opportunity to urge Governor Paterson to reconsider his plans. Over 3,500 people have signed the petition so far by logging onto Sen. Young’s Facebook page or by visiting her website at: www.young.nysenate.gov. Those without internet access can register their opinion by calling toll-free at 1-800-707-0058.
Hundreds are expected to attend this Saturday’s rally scheduled for noon in the Quaker section of the park. Rain is forecasted and Sen. Young is encouraging those in attendance to dress accordingly and to bring umbrellas.
“Rain or shine, we are going to tell Albany that our parks are too important to lose,” Sen. Young added.
Sally Marsh, who has performed her “Hootenanny” in the park for 39 years, will also be performing. Portable bathrooms, coffee and water will also be available.
Sen. Young said Governor Paterson has issued plans to close or restrict services at 55 parks and historic sites across the state. Allegany State Park would have sharply reduced recreational programs, including closing of the beach area and cabins, and elimination of winter trails in the Quaker section of the park.
The Facebook group, “Save Allegany State Park”, has attracted over 8,000 followers since it was created a week ago and is being used to discuss the rally and petitions and share news about the budget cuts, which could also impact Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake.
Sen. Young, who will host the rally scheduled at noon on Saturday, said that while the proposed closure would do little to help the state’s budget deficit, it would have a negative impact on the region’s economy.
“We all recognize that we are confronted by challenging fiscal realities, but our parks provide a diverse and quantifiable range of benefits that immeasurably improve our quality of life and our economy. Closing or cutting services at these parks is the wrong strategy at the wrong time,” said Sen. Young.
The Governor’s proposed park closings would save an estimated $6.3 million, which would amount to “a fraction of 1 percent of the state’s $9 billion budget deficit,” according to Sen. Young. Officials from New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are projecting budget savings of only $171,000 in Allegany State Park and $43,000 by closing Long Point State park.
According to a 2009 study conducted by the Political Economy Research Institute of the University of Massachusetts, the New York state park system generates nearly $1.9 billion every year in benefits for state and local economies, and that for every $1 the state spends on the park system, $5 in economic activity is produced.
“The plan to close parks could not come at a worse time, especially when you consider that every dollar spent on these parks goes right back into the economy multiple times,” said Sen. Young. “In this economy every penny counts and right now we need to invest in things like our park system that will help to get people back to work and encourage economic growth.”
Sen. Young also has started an online petition to give park supporters another opportunity to urge Governor Paterson to reconsider his plans. Over 3,500 people have signed the petition so far by logging onto Sen. Young’s Facebook page or by visiting her website at: www.young.nysenate.gov. Those without internet access can register their opinion by calling toll-free at 1-800-707-0058.
Hundreds are expected to attend this Saturday’s rally scheduled for noon in the Quaker section of the park. Rain is forecasted and Sen. Young is encouraging those in attendance to dress accordingly and to bring umbrellas.
“Rain or shine, we are going to tell Albany that our parks are too important to lose,” Sen. Young added.
Sally Marsh, who has performed her “Hootenanny” in the park for 39 years, will also be performing. Portable bathrooms, coffee and water will also be available.
.jpg)
Comments