State releases parks hit list, 9 sites in CNY targeted

Joseph L. Cross / Post-Standard file photoReader Joseph Cross captured this image at Selkirk Shores State Park during the winter of 2008. The public beach would close under the state budget proposed by Gov. David Paterson.

State officials have recommended shuttering six state parks, one public swimming beach and two historic sites in Central New York in an effort to close the state's expected $8.2 billion budget deficit.

The proposed local closures include:

• Chittenango Falls State Park in Madison County
• Clark Reservation State Park in Onondaga County
• Helen McNitt State Park in Madison County
• Old Erie Canal State Park in Onondaga County
• Pixley Falls State Park in Oneida County
• Selkirk Shores State Park public swimming beach in Oswego County
• Springbrook Greens State Park in Cayuga County
• Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego County
• Oriskany Battlefield/Steuben Historic Site in Oneida County

See a complete list of proposed park closures

Carol Ash, commissioner of the Office of Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation said the closures are necessary to stay within next year's expected budget. OPRHP recommended closing 41 parks and 14 historic sites statewide, and reducing services at 23 parks and one historic site.

"These actions were not recommended lightly, but they are necessary to address our state's extraordinary fiscal difficulties," Ash said.

"In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes and social services, no area of state spending -- including parks and historic sites -- could be exempt from reductions," Gov. David Paterson said.

For now, the closures are only recommendations. The Legislature will decide the ultimate fate of the parks when lawmakers vote on a state budget. The deadline for that vote is April 1.