Senate Bill S254

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S254

SPONSOR: SERRANO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
relation to the development and posting of a senior trail guide that
identifies walking and hiking opportunities for active seniors within
the state park system and along public non-motorized multi-use trails
within the state

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

The purpose of the bill is to create an easily accessible resource for
active seniors seeking appropriately graded walking and hiking routes on
state parks owned and managed lands.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill amends Sectionò3.09 of the Parks, Recreation, and
Historic Preservation Law to direct OPRHP to post on its website a
senior trail guide identifying walking and hiking opportunities for
              

seniors.

Section 2 of the bill establishes an effective date of 180 days after
the bill shall have become a law.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

New York State offers vast recreational opportunity for active seniors
interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The State should follow
other major public landholders by reviewing its vast trail inventory and
curating a guide of walking and hiking routes appropriate for senior
fitness and enjoyment.

The Center for an Urban Future states that there are now more residents
aged 65 and older in New York State -3.2 million- than the entire popu-
lation of 21 states. Additionally, the 1696 share of the total New York
population made up by seniors is the largest to date. Active life-
styles, particularly among seniors, have shown tremendous preventative
value in reducing negative health outcomes like heart disease and
diabetes. Additionally, maintenance exercise regimens can vastly improve
quality of life in many ways such as improved mood and sleep; increased
cognitive function; and increased balance, coordination and strength,
which helps avoid falls (and time spent rehabilitating).

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation recently
completed its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, or SCORP,
which found that New York's senior population will rise 30', by 2030.
SCORP user surveys also found that hiking was the most popular activity
category among all respondents, especially those aged 65-85 (86.2').

New York's State Park System alone welcomed over 78 million visitors in
2021, promoting parks and green spaces as Covid-safe and affordable
recreational options.

The State also promotes the usage of state parks by seniors offering
free weekday access through the Golden Park program. DEC currently posts
seasonal hiking recommendations as well as non-high peak hiking opportu-
nities in the Adirondacks, while OPRHP provides links to federal, state
and local hiking opportunities. Massachusetts offers a guide identifying
heart healthy trails that each measure from one to two miles in length
and are of easy to moderate difficulty.  Similarly, AARP has identified
senior hiking opportunities within the national park system.

This bill will provide seniors with an easily accessible resource to
identify appropriate routes and locations within New York State for
outdoor exercise and enjoyment.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2021-22 - S.6208 Veto Memo. 76

2020 - S.7765 Passed Senate

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred and eightieth day after it
shall have become a law.