A protest of proposed closures and service cuts at New York State parks on Long Island will go on as planned despite the snow.
Legis. Wayne Horsley (D-Babylon) called for those opposed to the closures and cuts to rally at Field 1 in Heckscher State Park in East Islip at 11 a.m. Saturday. Staffers add that considering the weather, there will be a snowman contest as well.
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New York parks officials have recommended shutting 41 parks and 14 historic sites statewide in the fiscal year starting April 1, with service reductions at 23 other parks and 1 historic site as the state faces an $8.2 billion budget deficit.
Six state parks on Long Island are being considered for closure and five others may face cutbacks from closed swimming pools and picnic areas to reduced hours. LI is home to more than 20 state parks and historic sites that attract nearly 20 million visitors annually, according the state parks department.
State parks officials proposed closing Brookhaven State Park, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Cold Spring Harbor State Park, Orient Beach State Park, Trail View State Park and Nissequogue State Park. Bethpage State park could have winter hour curtailed as well as the picnic area and polo field reduced. Connetquot River State Park could be closed weekdays while pools may close at Hecksher State Park in East Islip, Montauk Downs State Park and at Jones Beach State Park’s West Field.
The cuts and closures are subject to New York State Legislature’s approval.
