Parks budget pitch: governor seeks $200 million capital investment, expands swim and youth programs ahead of Ryder Cup

State parks officials presented the governor’s proposed capital and program spending for the park system at the Jan. 27 joint budget hearing, telling lawmakers the executive budget would keep the system on track for ongoing upgrades and for several new programs launched in the previous year.

Why it matters: New York’s park system recorded a record 88 million visitors in 2024, and lawmakers and agency leaders said capital investment and operational support will shape park access and safety as visitation and major events grow.

Key items and evidence from testimony - Capital funding: The governor’s executive proposal includes a $200 million capital allocation to address deferred maintenance, safety and accessibility projects across 250-plus parks and sites, agency officials said. - New York Swims and New York Plays: Parks reported awarding $150 million in the first round of New York Swims to 37 projects and said the proposed budget continues support — including a $50 million round in the executive proposal — aimed at reducing drowning risk and expanding swim access in disadvantaged communities. Officials described a summer pool-fee waiver that produced a 36% increase in pool visits and tripled the number of sites offering free swimming lessons. - Safety investments: Parks cited a proposed $53 million investment last year that funded safety technology, staff training and improved search-and-rescue capabilities; the agency said it recruited nearly 50 new park police officers over the last year and has two successive police academy classes. - Major events and economic impact: The agency described preparations for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park, saying more than a quarter-million fans are expected and that the agency has invested a modest amount while the PGA will fund a large share of event costs; parks said they will receive a base hosting fee plus a share of hospitality revenue. - Environmental and stewardship challenges: Lawmakers and parks staff discussed harmful algal blooms (Lake Welch case), where new technology piloted by the agency reduced pool closures from nearly an entire season to two days the following year, and other shoreline projects for Lake Erie and Buffalo Harbor. - Accessibility and equitable access: The agency reported increased veteran and Gold Star family access through a lifetime Liberty Pass (roughly 12,000 passes issued after the governor’s initiative) and is piloting programs that link parks with transit to improve access for residents without cars.

What lawmakers asked and what the agency said - Distribution and equity: Legislators pressed for geographic equity in capital disbursements and asked how flagship parks and local boat launches would be prioritized. The agency said regional teams will identify priority projects but emphasized the statewide scope of the park system. - Fees and affordability: Members asked whether fee waivers for pools would continue; the agency said the question will be part of next-year planning with an eye to balancing accessibility and revenue needs. - Ryder Cup logistics and revenue: Lawmakers asked about event-specific preparations and compensation; parks said major infrastructure work will ramp up later in the year and that the state receives a base fee and a portion of hospitality proceeds from the PGA. - Environmental threats: Legislators asked about algal blooms and lake closures; parks said it is testing solar and other technologies, coordinating with DEC and universities, and that more data is needed to assess long-term solutions.

Ending note: Parks officials framed the proposed capital funding and program continuation as essential to meeting rising demand, improving visitor safety and supporting local economies that benefit from park visitation. The hearing prompted follow-up requests about project lists, geographic allocation and long-term stewardship planning.