The Force was with our intrepid volunteers and friends on Saturday, May 4, 2024, as the 13^th I Love My Park Day took place across New York. More than 150 state parks, historic sites, and public lands welcomed thousands of volunteers to help rake and plant flower beds, clear trails, paint benches, build birdhouses, clean up beaches and public spaces, clear away invasive species, and get the parks looking fantastic for the busy season ahead.

In the past 13 years, I Love My Park Day has grown from a small event taking place at 40 state parks to the state’s largest single-day volunteer event with the collaboration of Parks & Trails NY and a dedicated, growing network of Friends groups. It’s a chance for people to unplug, get active, meet like-minded people, connect with old friends, celebrate the outdoors and make a difference in their communities.

I Love My Park Day took on special meaning for the Parks Centennial year. At Gantry Plaza State Park, Hunter’s Point Park Conservancy hired a brass band to provide 1924-era music to the volunteers. Our sought-after t-shirts commemorated the anniversary. And anyone who volunteered can now check off another Centennial Challenge mission!

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who joined us this weekend. More photos from this fantastic day are available on our Flickr page.

If you want to keep volunteering with us, contact your park or site about other opportunities and Friends groups. And save the date for May 3, 2025 — our next I Love My Park Day!

-Written by Kate Jenkins, Public Affairs Digital Specialist