NEW YORK STATE, USA — Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday that a new campaign has launched to encourage people and their families to put down their phones and enjoy the outdoors.
The campaign is called “Get Offline, Get Outside” and will provide numerous resources and opportunities to New York State residents this summer.
Through the program swimming pool entry fees at State Parks will be removed, $1.5M in grants will go towards getting children transportation to swim lessons, $150M will go towards supporting pools in underserved communities, and more.
Governor Kathy Hochul today launched the “Get Offline, Get Outside” summer campaign to promote physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings. Governor Hochul kicked off the campaign by announcing that the State is waiving swimming pool entry fees at New York State Parks this summer. Additionally, Governor Hochul launched the $1.5 million Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation Grant program to help with transportation to swimming lessons as part of the NY SWIMS initiative. This follows the Governor's historic $150 million NY SWIMS investment to support pools in underserved communities – New York's biggest investment in swimming since the New Deal. Governor Hochul made today’s announcement at Riverbank State Park Pools in New York City alongside local elected officials.
“We’re making it easier for our young people to put down their phones and computers, enjoy time with friends and family, and stay active all cross our state,” Governor Hochul said. “Summer is here – get offline and get outside.”
Along with this the Governor has also recently signed nation-leading legislation in an effort to combat addictive social media feeds.
In a press release from the Governors office they said "As part of her $1 billion investment in mental health statewide, Governor Hochul has significantly expanded access to mental health care and resources for young people and their families, including school-based mental health clinics and Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams. This focus on youth supports and services continued with additional investments secured by the Governor in the FY2025 Enacted Budget."
In WNY State Park pools with the waived fees include Fort Niagara State Park pool in Youngstown, and Letchworth State Park pool in Castile. To view the full list of State Park pools across NYS with waived fees click here.
Looking to learn more? Visit www.governor.ny.gov/news
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