Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Road closed to become multi-purpose trail

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation cut the ribbon on several upgrades at Joseph Davis State Park in Lewiston, including a new one-mile multi-use trail and a new inclusive playground. 

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, "The work we celebrate today at Joe Davis State Park will make it even more attractive for visitors to enjoy quiet trails, serene landscapes and fun playgrounds. All of these amenities go a long way in allowing people to unplug and play in nature, consistent with Governor Hochul's initiative to get people off their phones and other devices and connect with each other."

The $3.4 million in work includes:

• repurposing of a former seasonal road into a 1-mile-long paved multi-use trail,
• a new inclusive playground
• site improvements to the main parking lot,
• new multi-use trails and trailhead parking areas,
• landscaping, disc golf course upgrades, park furnishings, and signage.

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, "The new enhancements at Joseph Davis State Park will make it easier for visitors to connect with Western New York's scenic landscape. NYPA's support of Niagara River Greenway projects is reflective of our commitment to the revitalization and growth of our host communities."

Work was performed by A-1 Land Care of Lewiston, NY. $700,000 of the funding came from the Niagara River Greenway State Parks Standing Committee.

The work reflects Governor Hochul's commitment to outdoor recreation. The Fiscal Year 2026 Enacted Budget includes $200 million for State Parks to invest in and aid the ongoing transformation of New York's flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects throughout the park system. The Governor's new Unplug and Play initiative also earmarks $100 million for construction and renovation of community centers through the Build Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS), $67.5 million for the Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) initiative helping New York communities construct new playgrounds and renovate existing playgrounds; and an additional $90 million for the continuation of the Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative including $50 million for a competitive grant program supporting municipalities in the renovation and construction of swimming facilities and $40 million for other swimming-based investments.

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 88 million visitors 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.