The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) released its Friends Group Impact Report, highlighting the significant contributions that Friends Groups made to New York’s state parks and historic sites in 2025. The report found that Friends Groups statewide provided nearly $31 million in value to the agency, demonstrating the vital role these community-based organizations play in supporting OPRHP sites and expanding opportunities for visitors.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Friends Groups are invaluable partners in protecting and enhancing our state parks and historic sites. Through fundraising, public programming, and volunteer service, they enrich the visitor experience and help more New Yorkers and visitors connect with these special places. The extraordinary impact reflected in this report shows what can be accomplished when passionate community members come together in support of our parks and historic sites.”
Based on data reported by participating organizations, the report measures the collective impact of Friends Groups through revenue generation, program attendance, volunteer support, equipment donations, and support for capital projects.
More than 20,000 hours of volunteer support were provided by Friends Groups through specific programs such as I Love My Park Day and regularly occurring on-site activities. Friends Groups also supported 28 construction projects through financial contributions and project management.
Altogether, Friends Groups provided nearly $31 million in value to OPRHP including:
- More than $15 million in construction support
- $8.5 million in programming
- $6.69 million in direct financial contributions
- More than $466,000 in volunteer labor
- $232,000 in equipment donations
As part of their mission to add value to parks and historic sites, Friends Groups generated nearly $27 million in revenue in 2025 – primarily through program fees and private donations, according to the report. They offered more than 3,000 public programs in 2025, attracting approximately 273,000 visitors. Many of these programs were offered free of charge or for $10 or less per person, helping make meaningful experiences at state parks and historic sites accessible to a broad range of visitors.
Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York Paul Steely White said, “The work of Friends Groups is priceless. Millions of joyful, educational, and restorative moments in nature happen because of them. Yet when we put numbers to that impact, the case becomes even stronger: Friends Groups are essential to the health of our public lands and the well-being of New Yorkers. Just as hearts make a home, Friends Groups make our public lands welcoming, engaging, and hospitable to all.”
A “Friends Group” is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting one or more park or historic sites under the jurisdiction of OPRHP through volunteer activities, financial support, on-site programming, and other means. OPRHP maintains relationships with a robust network of Friends Groups. As of Summer 2026, the agency has agreements with almost 70 such organizations statewide. Visit the OPRHP website to learn more about joining a nearby Friends Group.
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, and welcomes over 86 million visits annually. 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. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
No comments:
Post a Comment