Amid NY state park centennial, leaders tout economic impact

Listen to this article

It’s the 100th anniversary of the New York State Parks, and on Long Island leaders are touting the economic impacts of outdoor spaces.

The region accounts for more than 33% of all state park visitation in New York, or 29 million visitors in 2023, according to the Long Island Association, citing statistics from state officials. The officials included Randy Simons, commissioner pro tempore of the state’s Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation as well as George Gorman, the team’s regional director; Kara Hahn, its deputy director; and others. These officials attended a recent LIA meeting at Gatsby on the Ocean at Jones Beach, highlighting planned enhancements to the parks.

“New York’s State Park and Historic Site system provides residents and visitors the opportunity to explore our state’s incredible scenery and diverse communities,” Simons said in a written statement. “As we celebrate our centennial, our agency looks forward to working with our many partners across the state to continue to build and sustain these recreational assets over the next century for future generations to enjoy.”

The centennial comes at a time when outdoor recreation brings $31.2 billion in economic activity and supports 256,000 jobs in New York State, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported in 2022.

Jones Beach, which took center stage during Memorial Day Weekend for the Bethpage Air Show, draws almost double the number of visitors to Yellowstone National Park, according to New York officials.

The air show kicks each year off the unofficial start of summer, which prompts additional in-state and out-of-state visitors, even after the big event. For example, 2023 data from Discover Long Island shows an uptick in visitors to the region the following weekend.

And in 2023, outdoor recreation accounted for 37.3% of all points-of-interest categories in Nassau and Suffolk counties, according to Discover Long Island.

Top outdoor recreation activities in New York include boating and fishing; festivals, concerts and sporting events; RVing; camping and hiking; amusement parks and snow activities, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The economic impact of outdoor activities is prompted by the purchase of  any associated goods and services. These goods and services can include gear and equipment, fuel to operate recreational vehicles, maintenance and repair services, concessions, admission or tour fees, and lessons. It also includes participants’ spending on transportation to the recreation activity, food and lodging, as well as government spending on national and state parks, according to a report by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli in 2022.

Now the state is investing in the park system as it looks to engage visitors and position New York as a top recreation destination. For example, the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes $100 million to transform the Jones Beach East Bathhouse. Plans for the bathhouse include converting the abandoned pool complex into a destination spray park, and providing opportunities where children and inexperienced swimmers can learn to swim.

Local leaders see benefit to enhancements to the region’s outdoor spaces and state parks.

“Long Island offers an unparalleled quality of life, and our pristine beaches and beautiful outdoor spaces at New York State parks enhance our experience and support our economy,” Matt Cohen, president and chief executive of the LIA said in a written statement.

“Investments in our New York State parks results in a return for our local economy and enhances our quality of life,” Michael Maturo, chair of the LIA Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee and president of RXR Realty, said in a written statement.

“As the summer approaches, it is clear the New York State parks department is ready for nice weather and millions of people from Long Island and visiting here to take advantage of all the benefits that the New York State Parks offer,” Ming Chiang, co-vice chair of the LIA Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee and president of Casual Home Worldwide, said in a written statement.

“Long Island families have enjoyed parks including Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow and more for years, and the projects that the New York State Parks is undertaking will ensure that they thrive for generations to come,” Dan Deegan, co-vice chair of the LIA Economic Development & infrastructure Committee and Partner at Forchelli Deegan Terrana, said in a written statement.

Centennial celebrations are taking place across New York State, including Hecksher State Park in East Islip on June 22 and Aug. 10,  Montauk Point State Park on Aug. 17 and Connetquot River State Park Preserve on Oct. 5.

In addition a Jones Beach 95th anniversary celebration is planned for Aug. 4.