Record-breaking attendance at NYS parks in 2024

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) enjoyed a historic year in 2024. Parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails around the state saw a record 88.3 million visits last year, surpassing the previous record in 2023 by over 4 million visits, Governor Hochul announced on Monday.

It is the 12th year in a row that State Parks has recorded increased attendance. The office contributes 2024's attendance surge to its year-long centennial celebration, which honored its 100-year-long history through centennial-themed events in communities throughout the state.

Additionally, State Parks hosted a range of activities for the rare solar eclipse that passed through western New York, the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks on April 8. The celestial event brought record tourism numbers from April 6 through April 9, including 326,500 State Parks visitors on April 8 alone.

Credit was also given to Governor Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" initiative, which waived pool entry fees at State Parks for the entire 2024 summer. Pool attendance increased 36% through Labor Day, bringing 542,000 people to State Parks pools.

"Governor Hochul’s continued support for outdoor recreation and land conservation, paired with the passion and hard work of our State Parks team, undoubtedly helped us reach this new record," said State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. "We look forward to working with partners around the state to keep the momentum going, aid in the mental and physical wellness of all, drive affordability and help deliver economic boosts to communities around the Empire State for years to come.”

This year, Governor Hochul is hoping to make further investments in State Parks. In her 2026 Executive Budget, the governor proposed $200 million to support infrastructure projects around the parks system and to help in the transformation of the state's flagship parks.

Hochul's "Unplug and Play" initiative also allocates $100 million toward the construction and renovation of community centers, $67.5 million toward constructing new playgrounds and renovating existing playgrounds, and $50 million for the construction and renovation of swimming facilities.