Hoping Parks Spring Forward

Despite the frosty winds rattling my windows, the calendar tells me that we will soon be enjoying warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, green playing fields and waterfront views offered by our parks. 

Spring is also budget season in Albany, and, despite some chilly revenue projections, some important investments in the state's parkland are moving forward. These proposals - $100 million for urgently needed capital repairs to existing state parks and $45 million for new parks on Governors Island and Hudson River Park - deserve the support of our new governor. 

New York State's park system has historically been one of the leaders in the nation - a legacy that built on progressive era ideals of ensuring that all citizens had access to the State's mountains, rivers, and seashores. Jones Beach, Bear Mountain, and, more recently, Riverbank and Roberto Clemente State Parks, offer close to home destinations for New Yorkers. It's an easy and affordable outing- ever more important for families in a struggling economy. 

But years of underinvestment and deferred maintenance have seriously compromised the ability of State Parks to meet its mission. Adjusted for inflation, the State Park's capital budget has decreased by an alarming 50% in the past 12 years, despite the system having added 26 new parks in the same time period. The result: closed restrooms and beach showers, leaky roofs in historic landmarks and badly eroded playing fields. 

Recognizing this, State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash and former Governor Spitzer proposed a landmark $100 million in capital funding to tackle the problem. It's a huge commitment- the single largest capital investment in the history of the New York State Park System. It's not a glamorous punch list. But it is a critical investment if this vital infrastructure is going to continue to serve New Yorkers and their families. Much of the funding is part of the proposed upstate economic development package, an effort to stimulate tourism. But over half of the funding is slated for state parks in the City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. The Assembly and Senate have signaled their support. Now it's up to Governor Paterson to join them. 

The support of the new governor is also needed to move forward on two important new parks: Hudson River Park and Governors Island. Funding is needed to complete some of the final sections of Hudson River Park and to launch site preparation and infrastructure repairs on Governors Island. Investments this year will enable these wonderful waterfront sites to ready themselves for 2009, the 400th anniversary of Hudson's arrival in New York Harbor. 

Governor Spitzer had pledged $20 million for Hudson River Park and $25 million for Governors Island in capital funds for these two parks. But he tied funding to the sale of state property adjacent to the Javits Center. The uncertain timing of that transaction, and the fact that these pledges are not line items in the State budget, will make it difficult for the City to appropriate the required needed match in its budget later this year. Speaker Silver and the Assembly have recognized this complication, and included the funding as specific line items within the Empire State Development Corporation's budget. Now it's up to the Governor Paterson and the State Senate to do their part. 

It's clearly an extraordinary budget season in Albany, with a shifting economy and a governor thrust unexpectedly into the driver's seat. As Governor Paterson makes his presence felt, he should make these great initiatives his own. Tulips and daffodils will soon be breaking ground, let's hope repairs and construction in our parks will as well