Category Archives: Park Personnel

Fun & Games, Park Personnel, Park Projects

Helping the Next Generation Foster Lifelong Relationships with the Outdoors

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Created in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in 2021, New York State Parks’ Ladders to the Outdoors program launched with a goal to have children from underserved communities experience the outdoors at state parks in Erie and Niagara counties. Building upon the success of the Connect Kids to Parks program, which reimburses transportation costs for field trips, Ladders to the Outdoors staff members work closely with teachers and community leaders to plan visits and provide the equipment needed to create successful experiences.

Since the program’s inception, organizers have taken kids out on trail walks, fishing trips, bike rides, and to visit the New York State Fair. The program’s core mission “to connect kids to their New York State parks and historical sites, outdoor recreation, nature, and foster a lifelong love of the outdoors” remains the same today as it did at the outset, but now also features some welcome and expanded ambitions.

A group sporting Ladders to the Outdoors backpacks explores the New York State Fair.
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2024 Centennial Celebration, Park Personnel, Share Your Story

Share Your Story: Melissa Ann Miller on Living at Grafton Lakes State Park

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Many people who visit state parks and historic sites year after year think of them as a second home. But Grafton Lakes State Park is truly home to park manager Melissa Ann Miller.

Grafton Lakes has always been a special place for Miller. As a child, she visited frequently.  She has worked there for 20 years and lived in the park for over a decade, raising her family on site. She moved in when her oldest son was two years old, and her youngest son has never known any other home.

“He was raised here… born, raised, done every activity in the park, been a part of everything. Even knowing that we ever lived in another place just blows his mind,” Miller said. “He’s 11… he can’t even fathom.”

As one of several Parks employees who lives permanently at their park or historic site facility, Miller has a unique perspective and story to share.

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Cool Science, Park Personnel, Research, safety

People and Safety Procedures Behind Water Quality Testing at NY State Parks

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As New York splashes the summer away, a dedicated team works behind the scenes to make sure our beaches are swim-ready.  

Meet the Water Quality Unit: Lauren Gallagher, Sarah Moss, and Veronica Mileski at a statewide convention. Since this photo was taken, Lauren Badinger has joined the unit as a seasonal assistant.

Consisting of three permanent staff and a summer intern, the Water Quality Unit at New York State Parks is charged with coordinating water sampling at the 75 monitoring stations at 49 beaches throughout New York State. Based in Albany they work closely with other agencies to report and track their results.  

Guests enjoy Hamlin Beach on Lake Ontario, one of the 49 beaches monitored by our Water Quality Unit.

Water Quality Unit team members all agree that this is a job hiding in plain sight. While it’s essential to public health and appreciated by millions every summer, it’s generally under the radar of most of the people it benefits.   

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Family Fun, Park Personnel, safety

Calling all Junior Rangers!

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The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation recently introduced three new Junior Ranger Buddies to our parks and facilities. To start the conversation between children and their families about personal safety when exploring the outdoors, the New York State Park Ranger Program has welcomed “Finn” the Fox, “Bennie” the Beaver, and “Taylor” the Turtle to the ranks! Finn, Bennie, and Taylor each share an important message on how to stay safe when enjoying the parks.

Two New York State Park Rangers and two Junior Rangers coloring and talking safety!

Finn tells families that “Park Employees are Friends” and if a child needs help when in a park, that Park Rangers and other staff are there to help them. Bennie tells children to “Use the Buddy System,” as parks are much more fun when we are enjoying them with friends. Taylor reminds kids to “Share Your Plans” when adventuring outdoors and to tell a trusted adult where they plan on going, and if plans change.

By listening to these tips from their Junior Ranger Buddies, families can facilitate effective communication about safety and where to find a trusted adult if they need help.

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Park Personnel

New Class Steadily Builds Park Police Team

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A couple of days before a certain round celestial body passed in front of another certain round celestial body, the New York State Park Police added a nice “round” number – 20 new graduates – to its ranks. Some of these new officers were put right to work – sent to the path of eclipse totality to help with an influx of visitation. Nearly one million people visited New York’s state parks and historic sites between April 6 and 9 to witness the eclipse.

After the eclipse, the new officers will spend the next couple of months in field training. They are assigned regionally to learn and prepare to serve State Parks’ 250 properties. Last year, our agency saw record attendance of 84 million, so the need for personnel has not slowed. The new officers will receive supervised training from senior officers, followed by assignment to patrol responsibilities.

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