Happy birthday to us! The New York State parks and historic sites system is now 100 years old, and we celebrated our founding and lit up almost two dozen landmarks around the state in Parks green and Centennial gold to mark the day last week.

Although several of our parks and historic sites have existed for more than 100 years—Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site and Niagara Falls State Park, for example—it was on April 18, 1924, that the State Council of Parks (SCOP) was formed, creating our modern parks system.

Established by Governor Alfred E. Smith and the New York State Legislature in 1924, SCOP and subsequent voter support for a $15 million Bond Act placed the future of many of New York’s public lands in our hands. Alongside great partners, staff at our agency have served as stewards since then, preserving New York’s most treasured lands and historically significant places. Today our system spans over 250 properties in every part of the state, improving the lives of millions of New Yorkers and connecting communities to the outdoors.

Learn more about the history of NY State Parks and Historic Sites with our interactive timeline, “Blazing a Trail.”

Missed our birthday? No problem. We created a video recap documenting the events of the day. You can find this video, along with other Centennial content, on our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already, as we’ll be adding even more announcement videos into this digital goody bag as the year goes on!

The birthday wishes began flowing in earlier this year when we received two great gifts from our friends at the State Capitol. 

At the beginning of February, the “100 Years: We’ll See You Out There” exhibit was unveiled in the State Street tunnel, which connects Albany’s Empire State Plaza to the Capitol. As you’re walking through the hall, you’ll be treated to beautiful landscapes, iconic landmarks, nostalgic memories and even a little bit of cultural education. Featuring 22 photographs, the images in this exhibit all exemplify elements which make New York State Parks’ properties so special.  

Later in the month on February 27, State Senator Jose Serrano brought a resolution to the floor to recognize our 100-year legacy as stewards of New York’s public lands. Serrano, who is Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks & Recreation, spoke about the important role that state parks play in protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of New Yorkers while presenting his resolution. The resolution garnered unanimous support and was co-sponsored by the remaining 62 Senators, a demonstration of how state parks have the power to connect us all. Watch the reading of Serrano’s resolution on the New York State Senate YouTube page or read the full text here. 

Centennial Eve in Ithaca

Unable to contain our excitement, we started the celebration early on the eve of our Centennial. After visiting parks in the Finger Lakes region, Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons unveiled a new exhibit honoring Robert H. Treman at the Tompkins County History Center in Ithaca. This first of many celebrations, Simons was joined by conservationists and park advocates from the Ithaca area who perpetuate Treman’s ideals, advocating for a more sustainable world. While mingling at the reception, these partygoers were able to get a first look at the exhibit which highlights our Centennial, the passage for the State Park Act, and the important role that Treman played in the creation of our state park and historic site system.

Treman, who was a banker and vocal environmental conservationist, donated hundreds of acres of land to New York State for preservation. His generous land donations would in part become Taughannock Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Enfield Glen state parks, the latter of which now bears his name, Robert H. Treman State Park. Following the passage of the State Park Act, Treman would serve as the very first Finger Lakes Regional Commissioner of SCOP. In that role, he oversaw the creation of several more state parks including Fillmore Glen, Cayuga Lake, and Fair Haven Beach. 

Once all of our guests had a chance to explore the new exhibit for themselves, Commissioner Pro Tempore Simons joined the exhibit’s curators to speak about Robert Treman, our greater history, and State Parks’ upcoming birthday celebrations planned for the rest of the year. Simons also presided over a very important moment at the event: cutting our birthday cake.

Happy Birthday, New York State Parks

Our first Centennial birthday celebration took place where it all began: the oldest state historic site in the U.S., Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh. Commissioner Pro Tempore Simons honored the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) in the morning as special Centennial flags were raised on flagpoles at parks and historic sites across the state.

Without forward-thinking conservationists like the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, the past 100 years would not have been possible.  

The Commission was created in 1900 as a partnership between New York and New Jersey to help protect the Hudson River Palisades. It established some core strategies and infrastructure that New York’s statewide park system later modeled, and its efforts were able to advance because of the financial support of some of the Hudson Valley’s wealthiest residents including the Harriman, Rockefeller, Morgan, and Perkins families. On the morning of the 18^th, Commissioner Pro Tempore Simons honored their important contributions and impact by welcoming descendants of those founding Commission families and gifted PIPC with a Commissioner’s Proclamation.

As night grew closer and the skies got darker, Commissioner Pro Tempore Simons made a final stop at the historic Lincoln Baths at Saratoga Spa State Park. Known as the ‘Queen of Spas’, this gorgeous marble building greets visitors entering from South Broadway and is currently home to the Children’s Museum of Saratoga. Joined by members of the Saratoga/Capital Region SCOP Commission, park staff, and guests, Simons reflected on the important role that conservationists like Governor Alfred E. Smith and founding SCOP members had in protecting the environment and historic landmarks like the Lincoln Baths.  

With a countdown and a flip of a switch, Commissioner Pro Tem Simons lit the Lincoln Bathhouse. At the same time in every part of the state, iconic landmarks, state parks, and historic sites joined in, splashing their facades with green and gold lights to be illuminated throughout the night. Niagara Falls, the Jones Beach water tower, and Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park were just a few of the several iconic locations celebrating with us.  

This just the beginning of our yearlong party honoring 100 years of New York State Parks and Historic Sites. You can join in and celebrate with us by visiting your local state park, taking on the Centennial Challenge, and sharing your favorite State Park memories through our Share Your Story project. Also, be on the lookout: we’re looking forward to more events and celebrations throughout our Centennial year and hope to #SeeYouOutThere.

-Written by Jennifer Robilotto, Public Affairs Assistant