December News from NY State Parks

Construction Starts on Welcome Center at Niagara Falls State Park

State Parks started construction for a new, state-of-the-art visitor center in Niagara Falls State Park to replace the existing 35-year-old structure. The not-for-profit Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, created after the 2014 death of the former owner of the Buffalo Bills and a co-founder of the American Football League, is supporting the project.

At 28,000 square feet, the new center in the United States’ oldest state park is expected to be opened by Memorial Day 2023 and will create more open views of the American Falls, as well as a better connection to the nearby Niagara Falls business district through the new Welcome Plaza that opened last year.

The glass, steel, and concrete facility will include new ticketing and information desks, interpretive museum space including an immersive experience and exhibits on a diversity of topics including natural, industrial, and Indigenous American history; information for visitors about opportunities unique to the region; new concession spaces; and restrooms and associated support spaces. It will also feature a rooftop solar array to produce renewable energy and living “green” roof elements. 
Press Release

Moreau Lake State Park in Capital Region to Expand

Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County will expand by 860 acres with a parcel that includes two miles of Hudson River shoreline known as Big Bend.

Funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund, this acquisition from the Open Space Institute brings Moreau Lake’s total acreage to 6,250 acres, making it one of the top ten largest parks in the State Park System.

Plans for this former logging site to be opened to the public next year include the creation of a trail network for hiking, bicycling, birding and wildlife viewing, equestrian riding, and non-motorized winter sports such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. State Parks plans to install car-top boat/kayak launches and permit hunting in-season. Press Release

East Gate Plaza Opens at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

The new $2 million East Gate Plaza outside the Poughkeepsie entrance to the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park opened in October, more than doubling the size of the pathway near the linear park’s eastern entrance.

The plaza includes a walk-in space for guests to purchase Walkway merchandise, improved access to snacks, drinks, and other items, and a covered pavilion with audio/visual capabilities to support events, tours, and special programs.

The project also includes such environmental features as roof rainwater collection for irrigation, porous pavement to mitigate stormwater runoff, and an energy-efficient heat pump for heating and cooling. Bike racks and more seating were also added. Press Release

Keep Your Winter Adventures Safe

New York State is a leader in snowmobile education; courses are taught by experienced snowmobilers who volunteer their time to make the sport safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Snowmobile Safety Courses provide essential information which all snowmobilers should possess to ensure the safety of riders and other trail users. Topics covered include pre-ride preparation, trail etiquette, operation in various weather conditions, and handling emergencies. Successful completion of this course results in the award of a NYS Snowmobile Safety Certificate. Courses are available statewide and with new dates added weekly during the snowmobile season. Learn more

Behind the Scenery

Yolanda-Bostic Williams 
Chief Diversity Officer

How long have you been with the agency?
I’ve been a proud ‘Parkie’ since September 2019. I was first hired as Special Assistant to the Commissioner and in September 2021, I was appointed as Chief Diversity Officer.

What does someone in your position do?
I work as an agent of change and influencer of diversity, inclusion and accessibility-related issues that impact the agency and the visitors we serve. This includes expanding employee engagement in diversity, inclusion and accessibility practices, helping us to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all, growing our relationships with external organizations and partners, and implementing strategies to help us be a more inclusive agency. I also advance social media and print media campaigns to increase our visibility. Lastly, and one of the favorite aspects of my position, I engage staff throughout the State. I have learned that we rock because of the commitment, customer services, and knowledge of our workforce statewide.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done? It is so difficult to narrow down to one. It is a three-way tie, 1) ice fishing at the 2020 Grafton State Park Ice Fishing Festival, 2) snowshoeing over Lake Moreau with my friends, and 3) walking through the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth (this trip made me “happy cry”).

Is there a destination you’d recommend? Every park and historic site is unique and special in its own way. I encourage folks to explore and build a resume of memories from everything we offer. It’s all about the adventure!

What inspired you to work in the park system? I spent summers as a little girl in West Virginia that began my journey of appreciating the outdoors where mountains, lakes, and streams were seriously “Almost Heaven.” I also spent much of my childhood in Peekskill NY, with my grandfather hanging at sites along the Hudson River and frequently touring Bear Mountain and all of the lakes. I began noticing at an early age, that there was rarely anyone who looked like me enjoying these areas. My appreciation for the outdoors, my natural ability to engage people, my knowledge of NYS history, and my passion for more inclusive participation, led me to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism from Niagara University. I pinch myself every day to have finally landed in the perfect position for all of my passions. I feel truly blessed to be a member of the NY State Parks & Historic Sites family.