NYS Parks Centennial 2024

In 2024, New York's State Parks and Historic Sites will celebrate its centennial, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of our parks and sites system. This system was built for Friends and other champions of public lands, and this system continues to serve as an acknowledgment that public access to open space and recreational assets is a right, and not a privilege, afforded to all New Yorkers.

2024 will be an opportunity to reflect on the last one hundred years, celebrate the vital legislation that spurred the expansion of our parks and sites’ network, and ignite conversation and action around preserving New York State lands for the next generation.

PTNY will support Friends and champions of our parks and historic sites in their efforts to support the Centennial Celebration through creative projects and programs.

For full access to all centennial resources, become a member today.

Friends-to-Friends Workshop: NY State Parks Centennial and Friends groups

In 2024 NY State Parks and Historic Sites will celebrate 100 years of outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and historic preservation, but the festivities won’t be complete without Friends groups! During this webinar with leadership from the agency’s Centennial team, we explore how Friends groups can join in on the fun. We review the goals of the campaign, highlight the work done so far, and identify tools and opportunities you can leverage to engage new patrons, raise your group’s profile, and build on the campaign’s momentum.

Centennial Challenge

NY State Parks has come up with a list of 100 activities to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to get outdoors and discover our state parks, to learn more about our New York State history at our historic sites, and to give back to preserve all our properties for the next generation.

Anyone who completes 24 out of 100 activities can win prizes!
Individuals or groups are encouraged to track their activities via an online app called GooseChase or via a printable checklist. Anyone who completes 24/100 activities will earn a commemorative Centennial prize, as well as an entry into a random drawing for one of 24 three-year Empire Passes and a Centennial swag bag! Learn more about the Centennial Challenge and how to get started here.