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Lawmakers propose new capital dollars for parks, New York Swims and cultural infrastructure
Summary
Senators and Assembly members urged capital investments in parks and cultural institutions, citing billions in economic impact and calling for funds for New York Swims, zoos, botanical gardens and museum infrastructure protection.
Senators and Assembly members told a joint budget kickoff that state parks, recreation, and cultural institutions need capital investment to meet rising demand and protect irreplaceable assets.
Senator Marco Serrano, chair of the Senate committee on parks, recreation and historic preservation, said the state’s park infrastructure is aging and needs attention after heavy use during the pandemic. "Our flagship parks ... get tremendous amount of use," Serrano said, urging capital funding to maintain trails, campsites and waterways.
Assemblymember Ron Kim highlighted the economic value of parks and said the Assembly added $50,000,000 for the New York Swims program in its one‑house budget and restored $10,000,000 for zoos and botanical gardens. Kim also flagged infrastructure needs at cultural institutions, asking for an additional $10,000,000 to protect valuable collections at the Metropolitan Museum by upgrading basement infrastructure.
Lawmakers said programmatic and capital funding requests are part of the ongoing three‑way budget negotiations and that staff will reconcile details with the governor’s office.
