The Beat

After Governor Hochul Announced Free State Park Pool Access This Summer, Pool Attendance Spiked by Over 65 Percent July 4 Weekend

Overall State Park Attendance Increased by 30 Percent to 2.8 Million Visitors

83,741 People Visited State Park Pools Across New York July 4 Through July 7 – a 33,219 Increase Compared to 2023

Part of the Governor’s Summer Campaign to Help Kids and Families “Get Offline, Get Outside”

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State Park pool attendance increased by over 65 percent between July 4 – July 7 after the Governor made State Park pool access free all summer as a part of her “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign. Overall State Park attendance also increased by 30 percent over the holiday weekend, from 2.2 million visitors in 2023 to 2.8 million this year.

“Black Staatsburg”

Staatsburg, N.Y.  (7/8/24) — DeWitt the soldier. Helen the activist. Robert the freedom-seeker. Ivy the immigrant. What did the Gilded Age mean to these, and other, Black citizens of the Staatsburg village, beyond the walls of the Mills estate, Staatsburgh?

Join Staatsburgh State Historic Site staff for “Black Staatsburg: The Gilded Age Black Community of Staatsburg” on Sundays, July 28 & August 11 at 2:00pm.

Iconic Hudson Valley Suspension Bridge Will Celebrate 100 Years of Service on November 27, 2024

Multiple Events Planned & Limited-Edition Merchandise Available

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a slate of events to countdown to the upcoming centennial of the Bear Mountain Bridge, the Hudson River’s first vehicular crossing south of Albany. Activities between now and November include an online pop-up shop, guided hiking tours, an art workshop, an international engineering conference, and a dedication ceremony.

Hudson, NY - The Olana Partnership will hold its monthly FREE Third Thursday on July 18th from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Olana State Historic Site. Olana Third Thursdays are monthly community days of free tours and programs for all ages. The July Third Thursday will feature an outdoor musical performance in addition to free tours, programs, and extended evening hours.

Legislation S.5423/A.4853 Prohibits the Mandated Use of Credit Cards as a Means of Payment at State Parks, Recreational Facilities and Historic Sites

Legislation S.9250/A.10333 Extends the Exemption for Personal Watercraft From the Boating Safety Requirement

Part of Governor Hochul’s Summer Campaign to Help Kids and Families to “Get Offline, Get Outside”  

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to increase access to State Parks, recreational facilities and historic sites, and to support the tourism industry in New York. S.5423/A.4853 will increase access to New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation sites by prohibiting the mandated use of credit cards as a means of payment for use of its facilities. Governor Hochul also signed S.9250/A.10333 to extend the authorization for certain operators of leased personal watercrafts to be exempt from the boating safety certificate, which will support the tourism businesses that lease these vehicles to those vacationing at New York’s waterfronts.

To Boost Visitors and Showcase Agriculture

“Never Far From Fun” Nearly $2 Million Advertising Initiative Includes Television, Radio, Streaming, and Digital Advertisements and Billboards to be Featured in Major Markets

County Fairs Passport Now Available to Encourage Kids and Families to Visit Multiple County and Local Fairs Across the State Throughout the Summer; Pickup Locations Here

Transportation Grant Pilot Program Kicks Off at Boonville-Oneida County Fair

Part of Governor Hochul’s Broader Summer Campaign to Help Kids and Families to “Get Offline, Get Outside”

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the State’s nearly $2 million marketing initiative to promote New York’s more than 50 county and local fairs across the State. The efforts include launching television, radio, and digital advertisements and billboards, a new County Fairs Passport program, and a transportation grant program to help boost attendance at the state’s fairs, educate communities about the ways that fairs support local economies, and showcase New York State agriculture.

New Summer Campaign Promotes Physical and Mental Health by Encouraging Kids to Put Down Their Phones and Computers and Enjoy the Outdoors 

Removes Swimming Pool Entry Fees at State Parks This Summer

Launches $1.5 Million Grant Program to Help Kids Across New York Access Transportation to Swimming Lessons

Follows Governor's Historic $150 Million NY SWIMS Investment to Support Pools in Underserved Communities 

Governor Recently Signed Nation-Leading Legislation to Combat Addictive Social Media Feeds

Governor Kathy Hochul today launched the “Get Offline, Get Outside” summer campaign to promote physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.

Spray Ground, Signature Art Sculpture, and Café/Retail Space To Be Added

Project Will Expand Outdoor Recreation on Buffalo's Outer Harbor Waterfront

See Renderings Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced progress toward enhancing Buffalo Harbor State Park with work underway on $47.5 million in new upgrades to the park. The project includes a new spray ground, signature art sculpture and fountain, café/retail space and park office and will help provide Buffalo residents and Western New Yorkers with more options to safely cool off and escape the heat in a warming climate.

Display Lights Up the Sky Over Long Island's Popular Oceanfront Destination 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the fireworks display at Jones Beach State Park will again take place on Independence Day, July 4, illuminating the sky at Long Island's popular oceanfront park. The Jovia Financial Credit Union Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach is a 25-minute celebration in colors that will dazzle and delight all ages.

The 13-foot bronze monument titled “Harriet Tubman- Beacon of Hope” by sculptor Wesley Wofford will on display to the public from July 5 to September 30, 2024

Lake Placid, NY – “Beacon of Hope,” the nationally recognized sculpture of Harriet Tubman, is set to be unveiled on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid. The unveiling ceremony, open to the public, will commence a months-long celebration of Harriet Tubman's life and enduring legacy.