State Parks and Historic Sites in New York State are having their centennial celebration this year.
To celebrate, the state is sponsoring the Centennial Challenge, which includes 100 missions that can only be completed at state parks and historic sites. Those who complete 24 out of the 100 missions will earn a commemorative sticker and be entered into a prize drawing for a three-year Empire Pass, which waives day-use and parking fees at all state parks.
New York was a pioneer in the development of state parks, the first in Niagara Falls, and of course, the Adirondack Park Forever Wild area, both dating from the 1800’s. During the depression, federal dollars came in to help build new parks. The financial crisis in 2008 produced proposals for closure of almost 1/3 of the parks.
Leisure timePhoto byMick KirchmanonUnsplash
Today new investment has restored and revitalized the system. Opportunities abound for hiking and biking, picnics, boating and fishing, and other outdoor activities.
New York’s long history, which began with native American tribes, was central to European occupation in North America, settled by Dutch, German, and English, with many wars and skirmishes fought on it’s soil. The Erie Canal opened the way west for many immigrants and for the transport of goods.