New York State park attendance rose 6 percent last year

New York State parks, historic sites, and campgrounds hosted an estimated 69.3 million visitors in 2016, up 6 percent from 2015 and up 21 percent since 2011, according to a recent new release from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s office.

The governor’s office said park-system attendance was boosted by many factors, including major improvements to park facilities such as reopening the historic West Bathhouse at Jones Beach on Long Island and renewal of Terrapin Point at Niagara Falls; the Connect Kids to Parks initiative offering free park entry to fourth-graders; an extended swimming season after Labor Day; record overnight visitation at State Park campgrounds; and favorable weather throughout the summer and late into the fall.

Annual park-system attendance has climbed steadily from the 57.2 million visits recorded in 2011.

CAPTION: Chittenango Falls State Park in Madison County

PHOTO CREDIT: New York State Parks website