# State Parks Budget Cuts Spark Outrage in Albany

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/03/state-parks-budget-cuts-spark-outrage-in-albany/
- Published: 2010-03-04T17:22:19-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## New York State Parks Budget Under Threat

Only days after announcing plans to close up to 90 state parks and historic sites,
Governor Paterson faced major backlash from the budget he proposed that’s under 
threat. New Yorkers spoke us most importantly! Hundreds rallied in Albany. More 
than 100,000 supporters joined Facebook campaigns. Thousands signed petitions, called
legislators, and organized protests.

Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks & Trails New York, called the closures“
devastating.” She pointed out that parks drive local revenue and provide affordable
recreation. Shrinking park budgets would cause far more harm than the meager savings
it might generate.

![Infographic titled new york state parks under threat set against a wooded trail
outlining public backlash budget cuts public response and lessons learned](https://
i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/5AF14435-59CD-49EF-B7E1-
06A863CC2D4B.png?resize=780%2C1170&quality=50&ssl=1 "5AF14435-59CD-49EF-B7E1-06A863CC2D4B-
The Green Living Guy")

A visual summary of the 2010 campaign to save New York State parks from proposed
closures under Governor Patersons budget plan

### Budget Cuts with Broader Consequences

Governor Paterson introduced the closures as part of an $8.2 billion deficit reduction
plan. His administration recommended closing 41 parks and 14 historic sites, while
reducing services at 23 more. They also proposed fee increases and tapping into 
a $5 million environmental fund.

However, the budget math didn’t add up. Analysts found that for every $1 million
saved by closing parks, the state lost $650,000 in visitor-generated revenue. With
visitation topping 55 million in 2009, parks provided vital support to communities
during tough economic times.

### A Public Rebound

Faced with overwhelming opposition, lawmakers restored about $11.5 million to preserve
major parks like John Boyd Thacher State Park. In the end, most closures were avoided.
Instead, parks remained open—though with reduced staffing, shortened hours, fewer
amenities, and higher fees.

### Lessons Learned

 1. Public engagement works: Massive turnout and digital campaigns drove budget reversals.
 2. Economic value matters: Investment in parks can fuel tourism and local economies.
 3. Creative solutions succeed: Staffing cuts and also fee hikes allowed parks to stay
    open without draining budgets.

### Conclusion on the State Parks Budget

New Yorkers spoke—and [leaders](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/leed-platinum-achievement-for-new-yorks-dec/)
listened. The attempt to close state parks sparked public outrage and a unified 
response. As a result, most parks stayed open. Even though services were cut, the
message was clear: parks matter. They also generate revenue, build community, and
most importantly offer affordable access to nature. Going forward, policymakers 
must protect these vital assets. Because when parks thrive, so do the people who
use them.

**Sources**

 1. New York State Parks Annual Report (2010) – This report provides details on the
    economic impact. It also includes attendance numbers and park closures considered
    during the 2009–2010 budget cycle.
    [https://parks.ny.gov/documents/inside-our-agency/AnnualReport2010.pdf](https://parks.ny.gov/documents/inside-our-agency/AnnualReport2010.pdf)
 2. New York Times – “Albany Moves to Close Dozens of Parks” (March 1, 2010). The article
    focuses on the political reaction. It discusses Governor Paterson’s proposed closures.
    The piece also reviews the public’s response.
    [https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/nyregion/02parks.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/nyregion/02parks.html)
 3. Parks & Trails New York – “Advocacy Campaign Saves State Parks”
    It documents the
    grassroots response. The campaign was a legislative victory to restore funding.
    [https://www.ptny.org/](https://www.ptny.org/)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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