NY State Parks Unveils Interactive Timeline Highlighting Climate Change, Public Advocacy, and Trail Expansion

Albany, NY — As part of its Centennial Celebration, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has launched the latest installment of its interactive digital timeline, Blazing a Trail: A History of New York State Parks and Historic Sites. This new chapter, "A New Millennium," explores the evolution of the state park system from 2000 to the present day, a period marked by environmental challenges, public engagement, economic hardship, and ambitious expansion projects.

The online timeline uses photographs, historical documents, maps, archival footage, and expert narratives to tell the story of how New York State Parks navigated a rapidly changing world. Among the highlights of this era are the preservation of more than one million acres of land, the impact of the Great Recession, and the role of grassroots advocacy in keeping parks open, including the widely popular "I Love My Park Day" initiative.

The timeline also examines the rise of rail-to-trail conversions, culminating in the creation of the Empire State Trail, a 750-mile route that now connects the entire state. Additionally, the installment showcases the agency’s diverse leadership over the last 25 years and how climate change realities have influenced park management, solidifying New York as a premier outdoor recreation destination.

"The story of our parks in the 21st century is one of resilience and hope," said Randy Simons, Commissioner Pro Tempore of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. "Our 5,000+ employees can take pride in seeing their efforts—and those of their predecessors—highlighted in this latest chapter. As we look ahead to the future, we draw inspiration from the challenges overcome and the enduring vision that continues to guide us."

A New Millennium is the latest addition to Blazing a Trail, which has chronicled the development of New York’s park system across multiple eras. The timeline’s earlier installments covered:

The drive to conserve natural spaces in the late 1800s amid rapid industrial development
The Great Depression and World War II, and the park system’s role during these turbulent times
Post-war expansion and leadership changes during the 1960s Rockefeller administration
The urban expansion of the park system, conservation efforts, and the growing interest in historic preservation in the late 20th century

The final installment of Blazing a Trail, set to be released in April, will explore the future of New York State Parks and Historic Sites as they embark on the next 100 years.

Created in honor of the 2024 Parks Centennial, the timeline is part of a yearlong celebration featuring special events, exhibits, and collaborative campaigns across the state. The commemoration also included the premiere of "From Land to Legacy," a documentary produced by PBS affiliate WMHT, which aired in September 2024 and continues to be broadcast on PBS stations statewide.