Press Release
July 03, 2018
Randy Simons | Dan Keefe
518-486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
New York State Parks Invites New Yorkers to Celebrate Fourth of July at State Parks
State Parks offer places to view extraordinary firework displays
Independence Day kicks off summer-long season of events and activities
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today invited New Yorkers and visitors to celebrate this Fourth of July at one of New York's many state parks and historic sites. Visitors are also reminded of the numerous programs and opportunities that are available at state parks throughout the summer.
"Whether you're looking to view extraordinary firework displays across the state or explore our nation's history at one of our historic sites, there is something for everyone to discover this Independence Day," said Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "Thanks to the continued investment into State Parks by Governor Cuomo, families can continue to enjoy these yearly traditions."
To commemorate this important holiday, New York State Parks will have patriotic themed activities across the state. Opportunities to take in fireworks displays include:
- The Sterling National Bank July 4th Fireworks at Jones Beach State Park. Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm at the Central Mall with music during the colorful and patriotic show to be simulcast by WALK 97.5 FM and K-98.3 FM.
- Walkway Over the Hudson 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.
- Fourth of July Fireworks at Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site.
- Allegany State Park-Quaker Area will also celebrate our nation's independence on July 3rd with food and music throughout the day and capping off the evening with a fireworks display over the waters of Quaker Lake.
Other themed events include Green Lakes State Park July 4th Crafts, John Jay Homestead State Historic Site's Independence Day Fair and Grafton Lakes State Park's Independence Day Sand Sculpture Contest.
A complete schedule with details of holiday events this week can be found here.
Additional events for the rest of the summer are also available on State Parks' calendar of events.
Opportunities for the remainder of the summer include free Learn-to-Swim Programs for youth. These programs will begin their sessions in July and a full schedule of programs along with registration and enrollment information can be found on the State Parks website.
Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York State is making a historic commitment to improving and expanding access to outdoor recreation. The Governor's NY Parks 2020 program is a multi-year commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020. The Governor's 2018-19 Executive Budget allocates $90 million toward this initiative.
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 are visited by 71 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.