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New York State Parks saw record attendance in 2024

Saratoga Spa State Park entrance
Jessica Murdock
Saratoga Spa State Park entrance

New York state parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails saw a record number of visitors last year. According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the sites recorded 88.3 million visitors in 2024. The tally marks a 5 percent increase over 2023 and 12 consecutive years of growth in visitation at state sites. New York State Parks says solar eclipse viewing events last year broke attendance records. WAMC's Samantha Simmons spoke with State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons about the achievement and other investments.

Samantha joined the WAMC staff in 2023 after graduating from the University at Albany. She covers the City of Troy and Rensselaer County at large. Outside of reporting, she host's WAMC's Weekend Edition and Midday Magazine.

She can be reached by phone at (518)-465-5233 Ext. 211 or by email at ssimmons@wamc.org.