Local Parks on Closure List from NY State

Albany, NY – Several parks in the Rochester Region face closure or a significant reduction in services due to New York State's budget crisis.

Parks officials recommend the closure of Chimney Bluffs State Park in Wayne County and Oak Orchard State Marine Park in Orleans County along with 39 other state parks and 14 historic sites.

The plan will also reduce services at several state parks including Hamlin Beach State Park in Monroe County. Hamlin Beach's swimming beach would be closed three days per week. Swimming spots would close completely at Stony Brook State Park in Steuben County and Seneca Lake State Park in Seneca County.

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation says it's also proposing $4 million in fee increases.

Parks spokeswoman Eileen Larabee says that officials would review each closed park to determine whether the public could still visit, though parking areas would likely be closed.