The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) currently oversees 180 State Parks and hundreds of structures within the parks system, ranging from buildings of historic importance to storage and maintenance facilities. Following years of critical budget constraints, New York State has been able to invest an unprecedented amount of capital in the system. While these investments go a long way, a system of this size requires additional resources and various approaches to managing its facilities. During prior discussions, OPRHP has indicated that there are many individual facilities that are not currently in use since they require significant investments to be restored and/or do not serve a park-related purpose. In light of current budgetary restraints, what options exist for efficiently and effectively managing existing assets while continuing to grow the parks system? OPRHP has previously identified use of programs such as a resident curator program, similar to those operated in other states, including Massachusetts and Maryland, or offering leases, on a case by case basis, through legislation, of terms longer than is currently granted within the authority of the Commissioner. This hearing will examine the future plans of OPRHP, as well as seek public input on such plans, to achieve a consensus so that the State maximizes public use and enjoyment of its facilities while employing efficient and effective management of them.

Persons invited to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform additional interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in receiving written testimony from any interested sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Margaret Markey
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on The Future Development, Growth and Maintenance of the State Parks System are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: