Governor Hochul Announces Another Record Attendance Year at State Parks

 2023 Statewide Attendance Hits 84.1 Million, Surging by Nearly 4.7 Million from Previous Record Set in 2022

11th Consecutive Year of Increased Park Attendance

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced state parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation saw a record 84.1 million visits in 2023. Total visits statewide surged by nearly 4.7 million, a 6 percent increase, compared to the previous record year in 2022 – underscoring Governor Hochul's commitment to expanding access to parks and outdoor recreation as the park system marks its 100th anniversary in 2024.

“These numbers reflect New Yorkers’ strong demand and appreciation for places to swim, hike, camp, gather with friends and family, and enjoy safe, healthy recreation,” Governor Hochul said. “As we celebrate the New York State Park Centennial this year, my administration is committed to keeping this progress going to ensure New Yorkers have access to world-class recreational facilities for years to come.”

Last year marked the 11th consecutive annual increase in State Park attendance, and the 4.7 million jump in visits was the highest annual increase on record. Over the last two decades, state park attendance has climbed steadily, increasing nearly 60 percent.

New York State Parks also kicked off the celebration of its 100th anniversary of the creation of the park system in 1924, including a Centennial Challenge, which encourages visitors to complete 24 activities from a list of 100 to win a prize. Special events are being held in parks across the state through 2024, and there also is a special Centennial line of merchandise.

Last week, State Parks launched the digital “Share Your Story” project and invited the public to share stories, photos, and videos reminiscing on their experiences at New York State Parks and Historic Sites. The multimedia campaign will run throughout 2024 in celebration of the Centennial and offers citizens a chance to celebrate one of New York State’s most significant environmental and cultural legacies and the role it’s played in their lives.

Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget proposes $300 million in capital funding to invest in park improvements, which includes $100 million for the celebration of the New York State Parks' Centennial. Projects include transforming the East Bathhouse at Jones Beach State Park with a sprayground and learn-to-swim pool; rehabilitating Harriman State Park’s Lake Sebago Beach, which has been closed since 2011 due to damage from Hurricane Irene; and building a swimming area at Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster County. Governor Hochul has also directed State Parks to more than double the number of pools and beaches where lifeguards offer water safety instruction programs for children.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit  parks.ny.gov, download the free  NY State Parks Explorer app  or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on  Facebook,  Instagram,  X (formerly Twitter), and the  OPRHP Blog.