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Parks & Trails New York facts for kids
| Formation | 1985 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) |
| Headquarters | Albany, New York |
|
Board Chair
|
Jeffrey P. Bender |
|
Executive Director
|
Paul Steely White |
| Website | https://www.ptny.org/ |
|
Formerly called
|
New York Parks and Conservation Association |
Parks & Trails New York is a top group in New York State that supports parks and trails. Since 1985, they have worked to make our lives better by helping us use and enjoy green spaces. This includes improving our health, helping the economy, and making our communities better places to live.
Parks & Trails New York: Protecting Our Green Spaces
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is the main voice for parks across New York. They work hard to make sure our parks and trails are well-cared for and available for everyone.
Helping New York's Parks Thrive
In 2006, PTNY started its "Campaign for Parks." They released a report called Parks at a Turning Point. This report warned that New York's park buildings and facilities were getting old and needed repairs. Later, another report, The NYS Park System: An Economic Asset to the Empire State, showed how important parks are to New York's economy.
PTNY used these reports to gather support from local park groups. These groups helped convince the New York State Legislature to keep parks open in 2010. This happened even when there were big proposed budget cuts.
What is I Love My Park Day?
To help improve parks and historic sites, PTNY started "I Love My Park Day." This is an annual event where volunteers from all over the state help clean up and beautify parks. PTNY works with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. They provide help and guides for local "Friends groups" to organize their own events.
The first "I Love My Park Day" was on May 5, 2012. Thousands of volunteers, including New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo, helped with projects at over 40 state parks. PTNY also connects with local "Friends groups" to create a network of park supporters. Their newsletter, You Gotta Have Friends, shares updates about parks across the state.
Building a Network of Trails
Another important project for Parks & Trails New York is creating and promoting a statewide network of multi-use trails. These are trails that many different people can use, like bikers, walkers, and runners.
Through their "Healthy Trails, Healthy People" program, PTNY has worked with hundreds of local groups. They help communities create and support local multi-use trails. PTNY also leads the Statewide Trails Coalition. This group asks for more money and helpful rules to support community trails and the statewide trail network.
Supporting Local Park and Trail Groups
PTNY's "Growing the Grassroots" program helps local park and trail groups. They offer grants (money) to groups that want to improve their outreach, communication, or fundraising. This helps these groups become stronger and more effective.
The Erie Canalway Trail Project
Since 1998, Parks & Trails New York has partnered with the New York State Canal Corporation. They help communities along the 524-mile NYS Canal System. Their goal is to plan and develop the Canalway Trail. They also want to make the Erie Canal area a great place for bikers and other outdoor fans.
A new report from PTNY and the Canalway Trails Association New York (CTANY) is called Closing the Gaps: A Progress Report on the Erie Canalway Trail. It shows how they are closing the last five missing parts of the 365-mile canalway trail. PTNY's campaign to Close the Gaps has made people much more interested in finishing the trail. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand supported this campaign in 2010. PTNY also publishes a "Canalway Trail Times" newsletter with updates about the trail.
Online Resources for Trail Users
Parks & Trails New York offers an interactive website for the Erie Canalway Trail at Cycle the Erie Canal. This website is a full guide to the cross-state trail. It includes maps, places to stay, attractions, historic sites, and bike shops.
On PTNY's main website, you can also find a guide to over 110 trails in New York State. They also provide alerts, updates, and other important information for park and trail users. This includes electronic and print newsletters like Parks & Trails E-NEWS and GreenSpace.
Bike Tours
PTNY organizes fun bicycle tours for people who love to explore.
Cycling the Erie Canal
PTNY sponsors an annual eight-day bicycle tour along the Erie Canal. This tour goes across the state. They also publish a popular guidebook called Cycling the Erie Canal. You can find this guide online or buy a printed copy.
Exploring the Hudson Valley by Bike
PTNY also sponsors an annual six-day bicycle tour of the historic Hudson Valley. This tour starts in Albany and ends in New York City. In 2012, the first edition of Cycling the Hudson Valley was published. This guide shares information about history, art, and nature along the beautiful Hudson River. It is also available online and in print.