| Posted By |
Message |
LIMOMx2
...
Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
|
PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
They are planning on closing down 10 parks by the summer. I am beyond upset about this. 4 might be saved.
I already contacted the LI Park Office 631-669-1000 and voiced my concern. Especially about Orient State Park which is one of my favorite Parks of all time and I spend most of my summers there.
My 3 1/2 yr old was so upset, he told me I have to stop them
Here is the link. Newsday Article
Please if everyone could take 2 seconds to call and tell them to try everything they can not to do this, it would be soooo appreciated!!!
Thank you so much.
|
Posted 2/12/10 8:49 AM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
KateDevine
*
Member since 6/06 24950 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
Oooh I worked at Montauk Downs.
My dad used to be the parks commissioner for the State Parks, I can find out whats going on when he gets back from his vacation.
Message edited 2/12/2010 8:52:41 AM.
|
| Posted 2/12/10 8:51 AM |
| |
|
Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
The link isn't working.
What parks are they? That is AWFUL!!!
|
| Posted 2/12/10 8:57 AM |
| |
|
KateDevine
*
Member since 6/06 24950 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
Posted by Goobster
The link isn't working.
What parks are they? That is AWFUL!!!
You have to have Optimum to see Newsday.com, but here is the article
As many as 10 Long Island state parks from Valley Stream to Orient Beach could close by summer to make up for a proposed $29-million budget cut, according to park sources.
The state might also raise the cost of ocean beach admission and a round of golf. Sources said admission fees at venues such as Jones Beach would rise 25 percent from $8 to $10.
Sources said special events or programs such a 5K runs and the annual performance of the New York Philharmonic at Heckscher State Park might also be cut - unless they pay for themselves.
PHOTOS: See images from Heckscher State Park and Orient Beach State Park, two of the LI parks that could close this summer
MORE: Explore LI's look at Long Island's favorite parks
Word of the proposed cuts drew immediate criticism. "This will have an unacceptable negative impact to our quality of life and to our tourism and recreation industry," said Assemb. Steven Englebright (D-Setauket), chairman of the parks and tourism committee. "The public needs to communicate its displeasure in a very forceful manner to their elected representatives and the governor."
Last year, more than 2 million people visited the 10 parks, according to parks statistics.
Eileen Larrabee, spokeswoman for the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, declined to confirm the proposed list of closures. "We continue to consider all aspects of our operations," she said. "I can confirm that we are looking at some fees increases, including ocean beach admission and golf fees statewide."
Sources said contracts for most special events have been held up by officials waiting to see if there will be money.
The list of proposed cuts is still subject to change, even before the Legislature tackles Gov. David A. Paterson's proposed budget. But Commissioner Carol Ash has said some parks will close under the budget plan. No parks official has made such a statement since 1991, when a budget crisis brought a threat to close Robert Moses State Park and others upstate.
"There have been numerous lists and analyses that have emerged out of this process," Larrabee said. "This week, the governor proposed changes. Language was added in the Environmental Protection Fund to allow the agency to take $5 million in capital spending and transfer it to operating expenses. That, along with fee increases, would reduce the number of closures and service reductions."
Sources said more than 10 of Long Island's 28 state parks were on the closing list before the fee increases were proposed. They added that the $5-million transfer would save four of the 10 targeted parks: Brentwood, Heckscher, Hempstead Lake and Valley Stream.
But that transfer requires legislative approval, which parks advocates and elected officials say is highly unlikely.
Al Caccese, executive director of Audubon New York and a former parks official, said the $29-million cut - on top of $45 million in reductions in the last two years - means that "more than 100 parks and historic sites will be closed statewide. I think the people will speak loudly through their representatives, as they have in the past," he said.
Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks & Trails New York, an advocacy group, said, "It's the first time in the history of the parks system, which is the oldest in the country and one of the most diverse, that parks are going to close. They didn't close during the Great Depression."
Dropkin said her group usually doesn't favor higher fees, "but people would probably rather absorb a couple of extra bucks as long as they can go to a park."
Parks and the budget
The state parks department, handed a $29-million cut in the governor's proposed budget, has put several reductions or closures on the table.
POTENTIAL PARK CLOSURES:
Brentwood
Brookhaven
Caleb Smith
Cold Spring Harbor
Heckscher
Hempstead Lake
Nissequogue River
Orient Beach
Trail View
Valley Stream
Other proposed cuts:
Closure of pools at Jones Beach, Heckscher and Montauk Downs.
Connetquot: Would close weekdays.
Elimination of cultural, recreational and environmental programs and events.
Bethpage: Eliminate winter sports such as sledding, reduce polo and picnic operations and reduce golf course maintenance.
Eliminate assistance to Walt Whitman Birthplace.
PHOTOS: See images from Heckscher State Park and Orient Beach State Park, two of the LI parks that could close this summer
MORE: Explore LI's look at Long Island's favorite parks
|
| Posted 2/12/10 8:59 AM |
| |
|
dawnygirl25
Growing up soo fast..
Member since 1/06 14917 total posts
Name:
Dawn
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
I grew up at Hecksher State Park.
|
| Posted 2/12/10 9:01 AM |
| |
|
nbc188
Best friends!
Member since 12/06 23090 total posts
Name:
C
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
  We love Orient State Park too
|
| Posted 2/12/10 9:01 AM |
| |
|
Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
How exactly do they "close" a park? Does that mean they would even stop cutting the grass and maintaining them? That would surely not be good. This can't happen.
|
| Posted 2/12/10 9:01 AM |
| |
|
MrsSunflwr29
LIF Adult
Member since 3/06 1093 total posts
Name:
M
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
I am sorry but I really dont understand how we have one the highest freakin taxes in this country and we cant even keep parks open. This state is becoming more and more of a joke to me..There are just way to many greedy people running this place..
|
| Posted 2/12/10 9:03 AM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
This makes me so mad! I'm totally calling on my lunch break
|
| Posted 2/12/10 9:05 AM |
| |
|
maybesoon
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 5981 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
Posted by MrsSunflwr29
I am sorry but I really dont understand how we have one the highest freakin taxes in this country and we cant even keep parks open. This state is becoming more and more of a joke to me..There are just way to many greedy people running this place..
ITA
|
| Posted 2/12/10 9:07 AM |
| |
|
MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
Posted by MrsSunflwr29
I am sorry but I really dont understand how we have one the highest freakin taxes in this country and we cant even keep parks open. This state is becoming more and more of a joke to me..There are just way to many greedy people running this place..
I don't understand it either.
I'm really upset by this.
These parks MUST remain open. They need to find the money somewhere.
I will be calling today to voice my opinion on this. I hope someone starts a rally or something to show our support to KEEP THE PARKS OPEN!
Because I will be there!
Can you x-post this to NFR for those that don't come on parenting?
|
| Posted 2/12/10 9:13 AM |
| |
|
Kidsaplenty
Sister love
Member since 2/06 5971 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
We love Orient State Park
|
| Posted 2/12/10 9:18 AM |
| |
|
lvdolphins
My Loves!
Member since 5/05 46292 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
I love Orient State and Hecksher State!! OMGosh this is so sad!
|
| Posted 2/12/10 9:28 AM |
| |
|
LIMOMx2
...
Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
Posted by Mssissy
Posted by MrsSunflwr29
I am sorry but I really dont understand how we have one the highest freakin taxes in this country and we cant even keep parks open. This state is becoming more and more of a joke to me..There are just way to many greedy people running this place..
I don't understand it either.
I'm really upset by this.
These parks MUST remain open. They need to find the money somewhere.
I will be calling today to voice my opinion on this. I hope someone starts a rally or something to show our support to KEEP THE PARKS OPEN!
Because I will be there!
Can you x-post this to NFR for those that don't come on parenting?
I didn't even realize I put it on Parenting. Sorry. I always just go here first
I am doing it now. I am contacting the Town of Southold Mayor and other people out East that I know. I am going to see if they are going to put together some sort of rally and what else I can do.
I don't even care if they raise the fee. Just keep it open. If they close them, they will get run down, over grown, illegal things will happen. It is just bad.
Thanks everyone for your help
|
| Posted 2/12/10 9:31 AM |
| |
|
Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
Posted by maybesoon
Posted by MrsSunflwr29
I am sorry but I really dont understand how we have one the highest freakin taxes in this country and we cant even keep parks open. This state is becoming more and more of a joke to me..There are just way to many greedy people running this place..
ITA
I agree as well! I feel like all our money is going to pay everyone's salaries (teachers, cops, etc.) but we are getting nothing in return.
Funds have been seriously mismanaged for so long that the whole system has imploded. Unfortunately hard decisions are going to have to be made and things like this are going to happen unless everyone wants their taxes to increase more than they are already going to 
Message edited 2/12/2010 10:39:13 AM.
|
| Posted 2/12/10 10:37 AM |
| |
|
smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
I cannot read the article. Newsday is only available to subsribers.
Do you mind posting the full article?
Thanks!
|
| Posted 2/12/10 10:47 AM |
| |
|
KateDevine
*
Member since 6/06 24950 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
Posted by smdl
I cannot read the article. Newsday is only available to subsribers.
Do you mind posting the full article?
Thanks!
I did up above
|
| Posted 2/12/10 10:49 AM |
| |
|
LIMOMx2
...
Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
Thank you LIF
I spoke to Senator Lavalle and he is opposed to the closings. He said to keep calling the Parks Dept locally and in Albany.
Also it can't hurt to call Patterson's Office.
Even if they can keep these parks open on the weekends only or look for outside contractors to look for the work less, something has to be done.
I also spoke to someone who is involved in the politics of the Island and we are trying to organize a protest outside the Parks Dept.
Thank you everyone for calling We can make a difference if we try
Message edited 2/12/2010 3:33:31 PM.
|
| Posted 2/12/10 12:45 PM |
| |
|
LIMOMx2
...
Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
Facebook Page Link:
FB Link
|
| Posted 2/12/10 3:33 PM |
| |
|
LIMOMx2
...
Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
SENATOR LAVALLE OPPOSES PARK CLOSINGS
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle called the closing of New York State Parks “the wrong strategy at the wrong time. It is a bad move, particularly in tough economic times when ‘staycations’ are quickly becoming the only affordable getaway for many of our residents.
“Now is also the wrong time to put pressure on the Legislature to come up with more money. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation should have fought for more funding when the Governor was making his budget. It’s obvious that they did not do a good job advocating for their own agency.
“I will be asking the Finance Department to do an in depth analysis of the Parks Department’s budget. I want them to provide a breakdown of exempt positions, non-personal service contracts, etc., to determine whether savings can be found by making cuts within the agency and not at the public’s expense.”
|
| Posted 2/13/10 7:44 AM |
| |
|
SupportACop
Momma's Boy & Lovin' it!!
Member since 5/06 2579 total posts
Name:
C
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
ITA
I agree as well! I feel like all our money is going to pay everyone's salaries (teachers, cops, etc.) but we are getting nothing in return.
HA HA I am a teacher and without contract no raise in 2 yeras PLUS you can have my 30k Masters degree debt PLUS
DH is a cop and there was no raise for him this year either. Stand still and a freeze for ALL NASSAU COPS thanks to your suozzi that was in office. DID YOU SEE HOW MUCH YOUR COUNTY OFFICIALS MAKE???????
teacher cops salaries?
|
| Posted 2/13/10 8:08 AM |
| |
|
itkocak
Member since 7/07 7639 total posts
Name:
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
Message edited 11/28/2011 6:34:48 PM.
|
| Posted 2/19/10 9:39 PM |
| |
|
mamasita27
OHANA
Member since 8/07 5974 total posts
Name:
MB
|
Re: PLEASE HELP!! Closing of 10 LI Parks...
I'll be running a race tomorrow at Bethpage state park and I'm SURE the race coordinators will be making some announcements etc because I bet a lot of people are unaware!
|
| Posted 2/19/10 10:31 PM |
| |
|
