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State parks set new record for attendance in 2023

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 February 2024 at 4:58 pm

All local state parks see increase in visitors, except for Golden Hill

Photos by Tom Rivers: A motorist drives through Letchworth State Park on Oct. 28, 2023. The park had 975,406 visitors in 2023, up by more than 100,000 from the previous year when there were 869,513.

Attendance at the state park system set a new record in 2023 with 84.1 million, breaking the previous record set in 2022 by 4.7 million.

Most of the local state parks all saw an increase including Lakeside Beach State Park in Carlton and the Oak Orchard Boat Launch in Carlton.

Attendance at nearby state parks includes:

  • Lakeside Beach State Park – 109,596 in 2023, 104,207 in 2022, and 116,817 in 2021
  • Oak Orchard Boat Launch – 11,030 in 2023, 9,849 in 2022 and 10,940 in 2021
  • Hamlin Beach State Park – 381,964 in 2023, 356,714 in 2022 and 367,960 in 2021
  • Letchworth State Park – 975,406 in 2023, 869,513 in 2022 and 903,505 in 2021
  • Golden Hill State Park in Barker – 48,694 in 2023, 50,065 in 2022 and 58,038 in 2021

Gov. Kathy Hochul highlighted the record attendance, which see said is the 11th straight year of more people at the parks. Over the last two decades, state park attendance has climbed steadily, increasing nearly 60 percent, she said.

“These numbers reflect New Yorkers’ strong demand and appreciation for places to swim, hike, camp, gather with friends and family, and enjoy safe, healthy recreation,” Hochul said in a news release. “As we celebrate the New York State Park Centennial this year, my administration is committed to keeping this progress going to ensure New Yorkers have access to world-class recreational facilities for years to come.”

New York State Parks this year is celebrating of its 100th anniversary of the creation of the park system in 1924.

“State Parks is welcoming many millions more visitors than ever before to see all our improved facilities have to offer,” said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. “With continued support from Governor Hochul and the hard work of our State Parks team, more exciting projects and programs are coming as we celebrate our State Park Centennial this year, and I am confident we will keep seeing more visitors, who help drive many local economies across the state.”

Letchworth State Park in Wyoming and Livingston counties offers many gorgeous views.