Published: October 10, 2009 11:25 pm      

GLYNN: State park still a jewel in the crown

The Niagara Falls State Park ranks as the jewel in the statewide system that includes 178 parks and 35 historic sites.

For that reason alone it should never be subjected to across-the-border cuts routinely imposed at budget time.

That’s exactly the situation again this year as the 11 state park regions begin to weigh the funding restrictions they face for 2010-11.

“We need to send the message (to the Albany-based state parks department) that we’re different from the other parks,” said Harvey N. Albond, a member of the group that advises the governor and the agency officials on matters affecting parks, recreation and historic preservation.

Niagara is unique — an international travel destination and a natural wonder that draws millions of annual visitors — so it should never be lumped into the same funding levels with lower-profile parks or less-visited historic sites.

Jean Knox, who chairs the regional commission, and other commissioners attending the quarterly meeting last week at Woodlawn State Beach Park, Hamburg, quickly endorsed Albond’s suggestion that the advisory body relay its concerns to Albany.

“This is all about equity, not equality,” said Dr. Gerard Mosey, a commissioner, “We need fairness in this case.”

The Niagara Region commission has abundant proof for its strong case.

Its state operating expenditures, capital investments and visitor expenditures create an impact of $569 million.

At present, on a statewide basis, direct spending by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and spending by park visitors support up to $1.9 billion in output and sales, $40 million in employment income and 20,000 public and private sector jobs.

Mark Thomas, the western district director of the parks, noted that for every $1 spent to maintain the parks, the investment returns $5 in benefits.

In 2008-09, the park system was supported by $341 million in state government expenditures, including $253 million in operating budget and $88 million in capital investments.

Too often the focus is just the economic impact, the number of jobs and business sales.

Other contributions from the system also are important, even though it is virtually impossible to put a price tag on them: maintaining the natural environment, providing a scenic escape for millions of visitors throughout the year, and protecting the Empire State’s heritage for other generations.

Despite the current budget crunch, New York state parks are obviously better off than their counterparts elsewhere.

Look at how much Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger valued state parks in California. Faced with a staggering budget, his idea to save money was simply to close 220 state parks.

The Golden State attracts some 80 million park visitors a year; in 2,008, the overall New York park attendance was reported at 55.7 million.

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IDEAL SETTING: Old Fort Niagara’s Haunted Fortress, a favorite tour during this season, is set for the evenings of Oct. 16-17.

Visitors will experience one of the area’s most haunted venues and then stop by a bonfire to hear true stories about unexplained happenings at the landmark site.

Tickets ($10) are still available only by calling 745-7611.

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HELPING HANDS DEPT.: Here’s a chance to participate in an event that will benefit the Community Missions’ soup kitchen, its homeless shelter and related programs to assist the needy.

The Antique and Fine Arts Auction ($15 per person or $25 a couple) is set for Nov. 1, from 3 p.m.-6 p.m., at the LaSalle Yacht Club, S. 68th Street, off Buffalo Ave.

Before the 4 p.m. bidding, guests will be offered a wide range of hors d’oeuvres (e.g. French, Italian, Vietnamese and Indian.)

Among items on the auction block: Persian carpets, gilt mirrors, lamps, Chinese screens, dolls, crystal rocking chairs, paintings and fine arts. For additional information, call Don Luce at 285-3403, Ext. 2226.

Contact reporter Don Glynn

at 282-2311, ext. 2246.