# Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Home / 100 Years

In 2024, New York State Parks and Historic Sites celebrates our Centennial, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of our parks and sites system. This system was built for you, and continues to serve as an acknowledgment that public access to open space and recreational assets is a right, and not a privilege, afforded to all New Yorkers.

Throughout the year, we will reflect on the last one hundred years, celebrate the vital legislation that spurred the expansion of our parks and sites’ network, and ignite conversation and action around preserving New York State lands for the next generation.

Disfrútelo en español

### Take on the Centennial Challenge!

Complete 24 out of 100 activities for a chance to win!

## THE NEXT 100 YEARS

### Share Your Story

Share your favorite state park and historic site memories as part of our 100th anniversary celebration!

# WHERE WILL YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE TAKE YOU?

A vision one hundred years ago to connect people to New York State’s most celebrated lands has since transformed into the state park system we know and love today – encompassing 360,000 acres of beaches, campgrounds, trails, golf courses, and so much more.

While you may have your favorites, we treasure each and every one of our 250-plus properties.

From world-renowned Niagara Falls, boasting the wonders of nature, to the largest collection of Revolutionary War sites, spotlighting our state’s rich historic heritage.

# THIS SYSTEM WAS BUILT FOR YOU.

For one hundred years, you’ve walked the trails, camped in the forests, organized summer cookouts, and swam in the lakes and pools. You’ve created memories and passed down traditions. You’ve helped forge the last one hundred years of recreation and stewardship – and will help ignite one hundred years ahead.

So, wherever you’re headed next ….

# We’ll see you out there

### A History of NY State Parks and Historic Sites

Explore the pivotal moments and meet the notable figures key in the development of the state park and historic site system we know and love today.

### Service & Stewardship

For a century, we’ve been a leader in our commitment to preserving public lands and natural resources.

Taking my daughter camping for the first time at Delta Lake. She had just turned one and it was our first big trip like that with her. We went with friends and selected a park close to home in case we found ourselves in over our heads. We only stayed two nights, but it was wonderful. She loved the beach and the tent. It gave us lots of confidence as new parents.

Kelly R., Buffalo, NY

My grandmother was a confirmed ride coward, but we coaxed her on to the carousel at Midway Park. She selected the stationary chariot and when she got off, she had the look of a woman who’d been through the most harrowing experience of her life! That was the first and last time she did that. She has been gone for a long time now, and so have many of the classic parks we used to visit. I’m grateful to New York State Parks for continuing to operate Midway so that future generations can experience a true old-fashioned amusement park.

Rachel L., Lancaster, NY

I spent a summer lifeguarding at Cherry Plain. I worked with another guy about my age. I left my lunch at home one day, and my younger sister brought it to me. I saw her talking with my co-worker for a while first. She started coming back more regularly that summer. Fast-forward to last summer, she and my ex-co-worker celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! I guess it was fate!

David P., Troy, NY
Previous Next