The story of New York’s state parks and historic sites is not just one of properties, but of people. During our Centennial year, we introduced you to some of them. In this new series, we take our scrapbook of memories down from the shelf and open it to share their stories in more detail.
His resume reads like the start to that old joke: “A quarterback, a politician and a parks administrator walk into a restaurant…” but it’s no joke. Former Western District Director Ed Rutkowski’s career took him through all those careers, and he was a champion at each one.
Ed Rutkowski, right, with his wife Marilou and fellow Buffalo Bills and CFL veteran Doug Flutie. Rutkowski is also a former Erie County Executive and Parks Western Region Director.
For the pro golfers ready to represent Europe and the U.S, and for the professionals who’ve tended Bethpage State Park to greatness, the road to the Ryder Cup begins on the grounds. As both groups prepare for the 2025 Ryder Cup, we hear from Bethpage’s team – dedicated stewards of the park – as they share details about their day-to-day work to make the park shine.
Bethpage State Park on Long Island has been known as “The People’s Country Club” for generations. Now hosting the Ryder Cup this September at the park’s famed Black course, fans from around the world will tune in for the biggest event in golf with all eyes on Bethpage.
What does it take to put on a tournament of that magnitude? Bethpage’s current and former park directors, greens specialist, course supervisors and more share their behind-the-scenes preparation ahead of the big week.
Our state golf courses host thousands of rounds each year. Everyone who puts a peg in the ground has a story to tell about themselves, their round, why they chose that club and that ball, or why they showed up to that course on that day. And what keeps them coming back.
With the Ryder Cup coming up at Bethpage State Park in September, we wanted to share stories we discovered during a recent visit to three other lesser-known but phenomenal courses — one in our Long Island Region and two others that are Hudson Valley staples. We hope you’ll pay a visit to these this year or find a favorite among the 19 in our state park system. Tee it high and let it fly – or tee it low and watch it go. Either way, we’ll see you out there!
Like the first birdsong, the start of Major League Baseball is a sign of spring.
Baseball fans celebrate the start of the season every year, but there are two other “baseball holidays” circled on the calendar of fans everywhere at opposite ends the season: Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, and Roberto Clemente Day on September 15. Did you know that New York State Parks has connections to both?
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 