Senator Stachowski Hosts Save our State Parks RallyMarch 6, 2010 |
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Save our State Parks Rally
SENATOR STACHOWSKI, SENATOR VOLKER, ASSEMBLYMAN SCHROEDER and ASSEMBLYMAN QUINN HOST “RALLY AT WOODLAWN”
Saturday, March 6, 2010, Blasdell, NY – A bipartisan group of New York State elected officials were joined by people supporting parks, to Save Our State Parks, at the Rally at Woodlawn.
NYS Senator William (Bill) Stachowski organized the public rally along with Senator Dale Volker, Assemblyman Jack Quinn and Assemblyman Mark Schroeder, in response to Gov. Paterson’s proposed cuts targeting 57 state parks.
"Closing treasured state parks and cutting the jobs of the hardworking people who staff them would be a serious error,” said Senator William T. Stachowski (D-C, Lake View). “The long term costs of lost jobs and lost local revenues to area businesses and in local tourism dollars far exceed any short term savings typically gained by reducing staffing and access to state parks. It’s a financial issue, as well as a quality of life issue. State parks are invaluable cultural, historic and recreational resources. I believe we can find other ways to save money and spare our local parks from closure and will continue to fight for their funding.”
"As New Yorkers try to get through this deep recession, many will choose to vacation near their homes and enjoy our state parks," said Senator Dale M. Volker. "Unfortunately, Governor Paterson is closing many of these state-run at a time when they will be utilized the most. I understand the Governor needs to reduce spending, and I agree that smart spending reductions are needed to get our state back on sound financial footing. However, this is a time when the State of New York could actually generate needed revenues and still provide services that our public want and utilize. It is my hope that the Governor rethinks his actions and keeps our state parks open."
“Governor Paterson’s proposed closure of 78 of our state's most treasured places would either shutter or suspend services such as swimming pools, sports programs and July 4th events,” said Assemblyman Schroeder. “Many summertime park users are now getting cancellation notices for summer camping and reserved events. These cancellations are not only costing New York parks revenue, but they are costing New Yorkers family fun and enjoyment at their own parks.”
“With a historic $8.6 billion budget deficit, no one can dispute the gravity of our fiscal woes. But, I believe you’d be hard-pressed to find a single individual who can look you in the eye and say closing 41 state parks – including Woodlawn Beach – is sound public policy. State parks are one of our most valuable resources, with a tremendous impact on tourism, recreation, and our local economy,” said Assemblyman Jack Quinn.
Supporters rallied to save Woodlawn Beach State Park and the Knox Farm State Park, along with all of the other proposed closings of parks and recreation areas in New York State.
Erie County witnessed, firsthand, the negative impact of closing parks when the county closed parks to save money. The parks quickly fell in to disrepair, which actually cost more money to fix when they reopen, there was vandalism and theft, and with the vast amount of real-estate involved, there is no way to keep people out of a closed park if they are determined to enter. The suggested savings end up costing much more in the long run.
State Parks Info:
- State parks and historic sites generate $1.9 billion annually in economic activity.
- For every $1 the state spends on parks, it gets back $5.
-Now more than ever, when families cannot afford vacation, state parks play an even more vital role in providing recreation and enjoyment of the outdoors.
- These are tough times, but the marginal amount of savings provided by park closings would be dwarfed by the impact on quality of life and economic activity.
The bipartisan group of New York State elected officials vowed to fight to protect our State’s treasures – keeping them open for continued enjoyment.
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