Networking for Parks

Last month, a group of statewide nonprofit organizations that support their state’s park systems, like we do here in NYS, gathered in Denver. The gatherings are a way to network and help each other grow and meet the challenges of being stronger, more effective advocates for our amazing parks systems.

This is the third meeting of the group, which this year included representatives from a dozen states from around the country. It’s always interesting to compare New York’s parks with other states. The bottom line is that we are lucky that our Governor believes in parks and believes that they deserve reinvestment. This has led to an unparalleled revitalization of the state park system. Of course, there are still serious challenges, such as a flat parks operating budget that is straining the capacities of park staff, but when you consider that some state parks systems receive NO general funding we are looking pretty good in New York.

One of the best parts of these gatherings is getting to see state parks in other parts of the country. They are faced with many of the same issues that our parks experience, from engaging the next generation of park goers to balancing technology and experiencing the outdoors. We visited two parks close to Denver: Chatfield State Park and Roxborough State Park. Roxborough, with its distinctive tilted red rocks, was especially memorable.

There is a lot to learn from other states and other organizations and we pledge to put all the ideas we gather to good use at home.