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May 15, 2010

Several local parks won't open this season

By JEFF MEYERS Staff Writer

PLATTSBURGH — Some popular state parks in this area won't open, as the picnic and camping season gets set to start.

Many parks across the state were scheduled to open Monday.

But Gov. David Paterson had identified in his budget numerous parks and historical sites statewide that he slated for closure this year to help reduce a $9 billion shortfall.

Point au Roche State Park in Beekmantown, Macomb State Park in Schuyler Falls and John Brown Farm in Lake Placid were well-known regional facilities identified in the list of 41 state parks and 14 historical sites.

"They're still on the closure list," Dan Keefe of the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation confirmed Friday.

"They are not going to be opening this year. We have not hired any seasonal workers or lifeguards for those facilities."

Access to the parks' day-use and camping areas will be restricted, and bathrooms and other amenities will be closed.

"We will be asking people not to go into the parks," Keefe said. "The parks won't be staffed, so we're concerned about both the infrastructure of the parks and the safety of their patrons."

The popular boat launch at Point au Roche will remain open to the public, Keefe said. Other parking areas at Point au Roche will remain closed, however.

The New York State Assembly has approved a budget plan that includes money to open parks this year, but the Assembly, Senate and governor are still far from reaching an agreement.

Meanwhile, Cumberland Bay State Park has opened for camping this weekend.

AuSable Point State Park, which is run by the State Department of Environmental Conservation, opens Friday, May 21.

E-mail Jeff Meyers at: jmeyers@pressrepublican.com

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