The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has awarded $2.25 million in Park and Trail Partnership Grants to 27 nonprofit organizations, marking both the program’s 10th anniversary and the largest funding allocation in its history. The announcement, made on January 16, 2026, directs resources toward stewardship of state parks, trails, historic sites, and public lands across the state. Funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and administered in partnership with Parks & Trails New York, the grants align with Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, which encourages residents to utilize outdoor recreational resources for physical and mental wellness.
Recipients must raise outside funding for a match of at least 10 percent of the grant amount received, a requirement that will leverage over $800,000 in private funds through this funding cycle. The grants support capital projects, maintenance, beautification, educational programming, and special events that promote public use of parks. Since the first round awarded in spring 2016, more than 90 organizations have received upward of $10 million through the program, supporting 272 projects and creating 27 career-building permanent positions.
“This innovative grant program helps enhance the incredible work done at the grassroots level by the partner organizations that help look after our state parks, historic sites, trails and public lands,” said Kathy Moser, New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner. “I am grateful to Governor Hochul’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ initiative that supports this vital partnership with Parks & Trails New York and our many statewide partners, friends’ groups, and volunteers. This collective effort helps ensure the continued success of our parks and historic sites. I look forward to seeing how this investment expands access and strengthens connections to New York State’s extraordinary natural and historic resources.”
For private campground and RV park owners in New York, these public investments represent complementary assets that enhance the overall appeal of regional markets. When public lands receive infrastructure upgrades, nearby private facilities often experience increased visitation. Proactive coordination with park officials allows operators to better anticipate demand fluctuations and align improvement schedules with public project timelines. Properties located near funded sites such as Hamlin Beach State Park, Letchworth State Park, or the Adirondack Rail Trail may find positioning as basecamp accommodations for guests seeking to experience improved public amenities to be advantageous. Trail connections between private campgrounds and public trail systems represent an increasingly recognized amenity that enhances property value and guest satisfaction, while organized guest volunteer days supporting nearby public lands build community goodwill and strengthen relationships with park administrators.
In the Finger Lakes region, Friends of Hamlin Beach State Park received $135,000 for phase two facility upgrades to the interior of a historic hexagon building, which will provide a multi-use gathering space for programming staff. Friends of Letchworth State Park was awarded $91,535 to preserve the Council House and Nancy Jemison Cabin by procuring historically correct roofing and creating an interpretive brochure sharing the area’s history. The broader industry trend toward adaptive reuse demonstrated by these historic preservation efforts offers a model for private operators converting older structures into event spaces, educational centers, or unique glamping accommodations while maintaining historical aesthetic elements.
North Country grants reflect growing demand for four-season recreation infrastructure. Friends of Higley Flow State Park secured $40,389 to purchase a tracked UTV and grooming drag implement to improve conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the park’s trail network. Cranberry Lake Mountaineers Snowmobile Club received $143,500 for equipment to make their network of trails safer and more accessible for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, primitive camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. The Adirondack Mountain Club was awarded $80,000 for an Interpretive Facilities Educator position focusing on visitor safety and rescue prevention. In northern climates, investment in winter trail maintenance and grooming equipment extends operating seasons and improves year-round revenue potential for outdoor hospitality operations.
“New Yorkers statewide are experiencing the benefits of restored trails, enhanced visitor centers, and engaging programs that foster a deeper connection with the outdoors,” said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York. “For the past decade, Park and Trail Partnership Grants have been instrumental in making these experiences possible by supporting the dedicated local organizations that steward our public lands. This year’s record-breaking awards will ensure that these vital sites continue to educate, inspire, and warmly welcome all who visit.”
Western New York allocations include $206,975 to Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System for sustainable trail rehabilitation protecting wetland habitats in North Harmony State Forest, and $151,205 to Friends of Knox Farm for reconstruction of a historic stable roof and cupola. The emphasis on environmentally friendly, sustainable trail rehabilitation reflects industry best practices: installing water bars on sloped trails, adding stepping stones in high-traffic areas, and creating designated pathways are widely accepted methods to prevent erosion while reducing long-term maintenance costs. Sustainable trail design typically costs more upfront but delivers significant savings over a five to ten year period compared to repeated repairs.
Long Island organizations received funding emphasizing trail sustainability and organizational capacity building. The Caumsett Foundation was awarded $100,000 to restore the historic Fresh Pond Trail following a 2022 erosion study, with the project aiming to redirect damaging foot traffic from fragile hillsides using stepped walkways, drainage systems, and an accessible path. Planting Fields Foundation received $69,913 for a Service-Learning Corps engaging young adults in stewardship projects, while Friends of Orient Beach obtained $18,000 for strategic planning, board recruitment, and community outreach.
Mid-Hudson grants highlight accessibility improvements and historic preservation priorities. Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association received the largest single award at $263,132 to construct an ADA-compliant boardwalk along an environmentally sensitive section of trail that is part of the eventual 46-mile regional rail trail system. Bannerman Castle Trust was awarded $27,450 to connect the historic Red Trail to the Grotto to Wee Bay, improving access for mobility-impaired visitors. Friends of Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands secured $77,950 to restore an 1874 one-room schoolhouse into an interpretive Visitor Center. Modern trail development increasingly incorporates digital wayfinding elements, including QR codes at trailheads linking to interactive maps, GPS-enabled trail apps, and digital interpretive signage. These technologies improve guest safety, reduce staff time spent giving directions, and provide data on trail usage patterns.
Capital District awards include $190,000 to Friends of Thacher Park to transform interior exhibits at Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center after 25 years of programming. Friends of Five Rivers received $140,000 to hire an Advancement Officer to diversify revenue streams and expand environmental education programs. Friends of Moreau State Park was awarded $55,491 for accessible trail signage including Braille, tactile elements, and audio descriptions. Current best practices in trail construction emphasize permeable surfaces, locally sourced materials, and designs minimizing environmental disruption. Recycled composite boardwalks in wet areas, native plantings for erosion control, and solar-powered lighting at trailheads align with growing guest expectations for environmentally responsible operations.
“Governor Hochul recognizes the value of partnerships in protecting and enhancing New York’s unique lands and accessible outdoor recreation areas,” said Amanda Lefton, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner. “Today’s Park and Trail Partnership Grant recipients and the many other volunteer-driven organizations working in our communities are amplifying conservation and education efforts that are crucial to providing New Yorkers with opportunities to get outdoors and connect with nature.”
The grants are part of a record $425 million Environmental Protection Fund in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. Related initiatives include $100 million for NY BRICKS supporting community center construction, $67.5 million for NY PLAYS helping communities build and renovate playgrounds, and $90 million for continuation of NY SWIMS. A separate January 12, 2026 announcement revealed the Open Space Institute received $300,000 for a trailhead and parking area at the eastern terminus of the Adirondack Rail Trail in Lake Placid. Additionally, a $37 million state investment in water quality and climate resiliency announced January 19 includes $3.3 million for Reservoir State Park stream daylighting and wetland trail creation.
State-level support for outdoor recreation infrastructure signals strong market conditions for outdoor hospitality operators. Public investment patterns serve as indicators of guest expectations and regulatory direction. Monitoring state parks department announcements reveals applicable funding opportunities, and properties near funded public lands may benefit from marketing alignment with improved amenities. Proactive adoption of sustainable infrastructure approaches positions operators favorably for future demand and potential incentive programs that may extend to businesses supporting public recreation goals.