LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing Saturday, May 5, 2012, as I Love My
Park Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by the
availability of exceptional recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
Saturday, May 5, 2012, as I Love My Park Day in the State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, The first-ever I Love My Park Day is an exciting new state-
wide event to improve and enhance New York's parks and historic sites
and bring visibility to the entire park system and its needs; volunteers
from across the state will participate in cleanup, improvement, and
beautification events at New York State parks and historic sites; and
WHEREAS, Volunteers will celebrate New York's park system by cleaning
up park lands and beaches, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails
and wildlife habitat, removing invasive species, and working on various
site improvement projects; and
WHEREAS, Parks & Trails New York is the leading statewide organization
working to preserve and enhance a network of parks, greenways and trails
for all New Yorkers for generations to come; since 1985, its influential
reports and advocacy efforts have been critical to keeping parks and
historic sites open and protecting New York's natural, recreational,
cultural and historical resources; and
WHEREAS, The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites oversees
New York's 213 state parks and historic sites ranging from the shores of
Long Island to the mighty Niagara Falls; and
WHEREAS, Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, will coor-
dinate the event on the statewide level; friend groups and park staff
will oversee cleanup, improvement and beautification projects as well as
work with volunteers; and
WHEREAS, The legacy of New York's park system is unparalleled; the
State of New York is home to such iconic parks and historic sites,
including Niagara Falls, the oldest state park in the country; Olana,
the 19th century home of Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin
Church; and Jones Beach, a world-class swimming destination visited by
twice as many people as visit Yellowstone Park; and
WHEREAS, Today, the New York State Park System includes 178 state
parks and 35 state historic sites, covering a total of 325,000 acres;
the park system includes a valuable collection of natural and recre-
ational assets, including 1,350 miles of hiking trails, over 8,000 camp-
sites, numerous swimming pools, beaches, boat launches, nature centers
and golf courses; this collection of resources contributes significant
benefits to New York State's economy, health, environment and history;
and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State
of New York, supports this vital day and encourages the citizens of this
great Empire State to participate in the I Love My Park Day activities
scheduled throughout the State to strengthen their commitment to
preserving the natural, scenic, and recreational qualities of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize Saturday, May 5, 2012, as I Love My Park Day in the State of
New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Parks & Trails New York and the New York State Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.