Albany, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new wave of investment in public spaces across New York, awarding $10 million to 17 park and recreation projects statewide through the Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant Program.

The funding, backed by the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, will support playground upgrades, boardwalk replacements, splash pads, fitness stations, and other recreation enhancements in both urban and rural communities.

“By expanding access to recreational opportunities, we are investing in the future of our communities so New Yorkers can safely explore and connect with our parks and outdoor spaces,” Governor Hochul said. “These compelling projects will provide a meaningful impact on their communities and ensure that every child has the ability to play, learn, and grow in a safe and engaging environment.”

The program complements the Governor’s “Unplug and Play” initiative, which encourages families to embrace outdoor activity by expanding safe, modern, and accessible recreational facilities across the state.

What the Grants Cover

The MPR program provides grants covering up to 90% of project costs, capped at $1 million per project. Eligible improvements include construction of playgrounds, sports courts, swimming facilities, picnic areas, trails, fishing sites, campgrounds, and boating amenities.

Projects were selected from every region of New York, ranging from playground renovations in New York City, to new boardwalks in Central New York, to splash pads and inclusive play spaces in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier.

Leaders Applaud the Investment

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons praised the funding’s potential to transform communities:
“Thanks to Governor Hochul’s continued leadership and the critical investments made possible by the Bond Act, these grants will revitalize communities statewide and ensure that our parks and recreation spaces remain welcoming, safe, and accessible for everyone. Each of these projects demonstrates a strong local commitment to improving overall wellness and we’re excited to support these grants and look forward to seeing their lasting impact across municipalities.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasized the environmental benefits as well:
“New playgrounds, safer boardwalks, and updated splashpads are just some of the affordable recreation projects being realized in communities statewide thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and the new Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program. With funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, New York is making significant investments to protect our communities from flooding and climate impacts, conserve open space and increase access to the outdoors, and safeguard our natural resources for generations to come.”

Regional Highlights

Capital Region

Watervliet ($538K) will upgrade the Dome Recreation Facility for accessibility; Rensselaer ($563K) will renovate three parks, adding new playgrounds and a Hudson River Fitness Court Studio.

Central NY

Onondaga County ($1M) will replace aging boardwalks at Beaver Lake Nature Center.

Finger Lakes

Dundee ($1M) will create a dog park, fitness stations, and new trails at Millard Park.

Long Island

Patchogue and Rockville Centre will replace unsafe playgrounds with new, accessible structures.

Mid-Hudson

Orange County ($1M) will restore the Cronomer Hill Park Observation Tower, closed for safety, and add new amenities. Briarcliff Manor ($720K) will redesign Chilmark Park with a “No Phone Zone.”

Mohawk Valley

Utica ($1M) will upgrade Pixley Park with a splash pad, accessible restrooms, and new playground equipment.

NYC

New York City ($1M) will reconstruct Carter G. Woodson Children’s Park in Brooklyn.

North Country

Canton ($573K) will build a splash pad and basketball court.

Southern Tier

Savona ($194K) will replace unsafe playground structures; Richford ($27K) will repair Rawley Park’s pavilion.

Western NY

Williamsville ($852K) will redevelop Garrison Park’s wading pool; Angola and Lewiston will create inclusive playgrounds and neighborhood recreation spaces.

Legislative Support

Lawmakers highlighted the grants as both community investments and taxpayer relief.

State Senator Jose Serrano said:
“The Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant Program is an important investment to fund the development and improvement of municipal parks and recreation sites statewide for the public to enjoy. The development and improvement of municipal parks and recreation sites allows for increased access to vital green spaces. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I firmly believe that outdoor recreation can provide many physical and mental health benefits for New Yorkers.”

State Senator Pete Harckham added:
“Our public spaces are essential to creating vibrant, thriving communities, but they’re too often overlooked and underfunded. This investment in Briarcliff Manor’s Chilmark Park in my district, as well as municipal parks across the state, reflects a strong commitment to building more welcoming and accessible spaces for everyone, while also easing the burden on local taxpayers.”

Looking Ahead

The MPR program is part of a larger $257.5 million investment in New York’s outdoor spaces through initiatives like NY BRICKS (community centers), NY PLAYS (playgrounds), and NY SWIMS (pools and aquatic facilities).

The effort builds on the momentum of a record 88 million visitors to New York State Parks in 2024, reinforcing outdoor recreation as a central part of the state’s identity and economy.

For more information on New York’s parks, residents can visit parks.ny.gov or download the free NY State Parks Explorer app.

Originally reported by Governor. New York Govt.