The next 15 years are going to be transformative for New York State Parks as big changes are coming. It was announced this week that almost $900 million will be used to update and enhance state parks by 2020. That’s perfect forward vision if I’ve ever seen it! (Will there be a lot of eye jokes in 2020? I couldn’t resist.)

This is especially welcome news as the state’s 180 parks and 35 historic sites hosted a record 62 million visitors in 2014. All those visitors surely put some wear and tear on park facilities, so this is the perfect time to spruce these areas up.

The $900 million will go to projects aimed at restoring facilities, enhancing natural and historic features, and developing new recreational and cultural amenities. Some of the state’s largest parks, like Niagara Falls, Jones Beach, Watkins Glen, and Bear Mountain will get the biggest chunk of money. Other plans include nature centers in the Finger Lakes, new pedestrian walkways, modernizing campgrounds, and updating landscaping.

It’s great to see more people enjoying their state parks and recreational areas here in New York, so many of them are easy to get to from the city. I’m excited that keeping them well maintained so every kind of outdoor enthusiast can enjoy them has been acknowledged as priority by lawmakers. Make sure you go out and utilize your improved state parks New Yorkers!

-By Susan Torres - check out her blog here.