Several Finger Lakes parks and historic sites will benefit from New York State’s latest round of Park and Trail Partnership Grants, which awarded $1.7 million to 22 nonprofit organizations dedicated to maintaining and improving public lands. The funding, part of a broader effort to support recreation and conservation, will be matched by more than $500,000 in private contributions.
The Park and Trail Partnership Grant program is funded through the state’s Environmental Protection Fund and administered by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Among the recipients, the Finger Lakes Trail Conference secured $26,774 to undertake a strategic planning initiative aimed at refining its mission and strengthening partnerships. The effort is expected to ensure long-term sustainability for one of the state’s most extensive hiking trails.
At Hamlin Beach State Park, a $135,000 grant will support the first phase of converting an existing structure into a multi-use facility. This upgrade will serve both the Friends of Hamlin Beach State Park and the park’s programming staff, improving community engagement and recreational opportunities.
Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua will receive $17,114 to enhance visitor experiences with new interpretive signage. These additions will highlight the estate’s history and the significance of its 54-acre public gardens.
State officials emphasized the importance of these grants in maintaining and improving public parks, especially as visitation numbers continue to rise. Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons credited Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership for sustaining these investments. “These partnership grants are a true testament to how we come to work each day to keep these lands open and operating for all to enjoy,” he said.
Amanda Lefton, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, noted that nonprofit partners play a crucial role in maintaining public lands and making them accessible for future generations.
This latest round of funding builds on nearly a decade of investment through the Park and Trail Partnership Grants program, which has provided nearly $10 million since 2015. Governor Hochul’s 2026 budget proposal includes a $2.5 million allocation for the program, reinforcing New York’s commitment to outdoor recreation.
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