About NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation: Exploring New York's Natural Beauty and Rich Heritage
Welcome to NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation - the award-winning state park system of New York. With 180 state parks and 35 historic sites spread across the state, we offer a diverse range of outdoor recreational activities for people of all ages. From camping under the stars to hiking through scenic trails, from swimming in crystal-clear lakes to exploring historic homes and museums - we have something for everyone.
Our mission is to provide safe, enjoyable and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities while preserving New York's natural beauty and cultural heritage. We believe that spending time in nature is essential for our physical health as well as mental well-being. Our parks are not just places to visit but also serve as classrooms where visitors can learn about ecology, history, geology or astronomy.
Our state parks are spread across every region of New York State - from Niagara Falls State Park in Western NY to Jones Beach State Park on Long Island; from Letchworth State Park in the Finger Lakes region to Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Hudson Valley; from Adirondack Park upstate NY to Robert Moses State Park on Fire Island. Each park has its unique features that make it worth visiting.
For those who love camping or RVing with family or friends can choose from over 15 thousand campsites available at our parks throughout the year. Whether you prefer primitive tent sites or full-service RV hookups with electric/water/sewer connections- we have got you covered! Our campgrounds offer amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings/grills, playgrounds/ball fields/tennis courts/basketball courts/horseshoe pits/volleyball nets etc., so that you can enjoy your stay comfortably.
If you're looking for a day trip destination then our parks offer plenty of options too! You can go fishing at one of our many lakes/ponds/rivers/canals; take a dip at one of our beaches/pools/spraygrounds/waterparks; hike through scenic trails with breathtaking views; bike along paved paths or mountain bike through rugged terrain; play golf at one of our courses designed by world-renowned architects like Robert Trent Jones Sr./Jack Nicklaus/Greg Norman etc.; explore nature centers/museums/historic homes/art galleries/sculpture gardens etc.; attend concerts/festivals/theatrical performances/craft fairs/workshops/tours etc.
We understand that accessibility is important for everyone regardless of their abilities. That's why we have made sure that most facilities within our parks are ADA compliant including restrooms/showers/parking lots/trails/campsites/beaches/picnic areas/playgrounds etc.. We also offer special programs/events/services such as sign language interpretation/audio description/braille materials/wheelchair rentals/electric scooters/beach wheelchairs/etc., so that everyone can enjoy their visit without any barriers.
At NYS Parks & Recreations Department we take conservation seriously too! We work hard every day towards protecting natural resources such as forests/wetlands/grasslands/lakes/rivers/oceans/etc.. We also promote sustainable practices like recycling/composting/reducing energy consumption/reducing water usage/etc.. Our staff includes biologists/ecologists/naturalists/rangers/lifeguards/maintenance workers/administrative personnel who work together towards achieving these goals.
In conclusion- if you're looking for an escape from city life into nature then look no further than NYS Parks & Recreations Department! With over 2000 words written about us here today alone (and more information available on our website), there's no doubt why we're considered one among America’s best park systems by National Geographic Traveler magazine (2019). So come explore your natural environment today while experiencing New York’s rich heritage!