The Long Island Association (LIA) recently discussed the economic impact of the New York State parks on Long Island with Randy Simons, Commissioner Pro Tempore of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation at an Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee meeting held at Gatsby on the Ocean at Jones Beach. Commissioner Simons highlighted planned parks enhancements as well as the 100th anniversary of the New York State Parks.
Simons was joined by his team, including Regional Director George Gorman and Deputy Director Kara Hahn and told the LIA members that Long Island accounts for more than 33% of all state parks visitation in New York State, or 29 million visitors in 2023. Jones Beach alone has nearly doubled the visitation of Yellowstone National Park. Parks contribute to strong economies, and in 2022 outdoor recreation in New York resulted in $31.2 billion in economic activity and supported 256,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
“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. 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.” Simons said.
The group continued to discuss the importance of the infrastructure that is at the heart of Long Island, as well as how the parks will continue to grow in the future. As summer rolls in the committee predicts many visitors and people to take on the parks and benefit from what Long Island has to offer.
Simons also discussed exciting new capital projects planned for Long Island parks facilities included in the FY 2025 Enacted State Budget passed by Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature, including $100 million in funding to transform the Jones Beach East Bathhouse. The parks department is celebrating its Centennial in 2024, with new efforts to engage visitors and position New York as a recreation destination.
Michael Maturo, chair of the LIA Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee and president of RXR Realty, said, “Investments in our New York State parks results in a return for our local economy and enhances our quality of life, and we thank Commissioner Simons for his time to speak to the LIA’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee.”