New York State Parks and Historic Sites celebrates its centennial in 2024, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the parks and sites system.
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.”
The public still has time to complete The New York State Parks Centennial Challenge. People are encouraged to visit New York’s state parks and historic sites throughout this year in honor of the 100th anniversary of the state park and historic site system.
The year-long celebratory challenge was announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul late in 2023.
All state residents and visitors can participate. The intent is to boost attendance at state parks, allow the public to learn about the state’s history and give back to parks for the next generation of adventurers, according to the governor’s message.
The Centennial Challenge began at the start of 2024 and includes 100 missions that can be completed at various state parks and historic sites. Participants will need to complete 24 missions throughout 2024 to complete the challenge.
In 1924, Gov. Alfred E. Smith and the State Legislature created the State Council of Parks and voters approved a $15 million bond act to build and enlarge a network of state parks — forging the state park and historic site system that state residents and visitors know and cherish today, Hochul said in her release.
“There is so much to do within our vast state park system and the Centennial Challenge is a great way to introduce New Yorkers and visitors, alike, to our historic and awe-inspiring properties for 2024’s 100th anniversary celebration,” Hochul said in the release. “Our park system is an incredible place to visit year-round and the Centennial Challenge is a great activity for all who are resolving to have a fun and adventurous New Year.”
The challenge is designed to be completed by people of all abilities and can be finished by visiting parks and historic sites across the state.
Some challenges include activities such as hiking, boating, playing disc golf, ice skating, snowshoeing, visit a new-to-you park or camp at a state park.
People also can volunteer at parks, talk to a forest ranger or talk to an interpreter about the history of a state historic site.
Two of the challenges encourage people to visit the state’s oldest park — Niagara Falls — and state’s oldest historic site — Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh.
Participants need to complete 24 missions throughout the year in order to complete the challenge. Those who complete it will earn a commemorative sticker and be entered into a promotional giveaway where 24 lucky participants will win a three-year Empire Pass and Centennial merchandise.
For every 10 additional points, participants will receive one additional entry into the promotional giveaway.
The promotional drawing will take place the week of Jan. 13, 2025. Submissions can be mailed in or submitted via the Goosechase app and will be accepted through Jan. 10, 2025.
People can download the Goosechase app onto their phone from the iPhone or Android app store. They can also download a paper checklist sheet off the state park’s Centennial Challenge website.
On the Goosechase app, search for “NY State Parks Centennial Challenge” to join. Once joined, participants can collect points by completing missions right in the app by either taking and uploading photos or videos or submitting an answer to a question.
Collect points by checking missions off the checklist form. Once 24 points have been earned, participants can mail the checklist to the address listed on the form.
For more information, visit www.parks.ny.gov/100/challenge