BUFFALO, N.Y. — This weekend New Yorkers are rolling up their sleeves to help improve and enhance New York State's outdoor spaces.
In honor of the tenth annual "I Love My Park Day" over 5,000 volunteers signed up to help clean and improve parks, historic sites, and public lands across New York State.
More than 120 sites across the state hosted cleanup events on Saturday and Sunday.
Parks and public lands in New York saw a record number of visitors last year as people sought outdoor activities during the pandemic, according to New York State Parks. With 78 million park visitors in 2020, New York State Parks says it's more important than ever to help keep parks clean and beautiful.
“We are excited to be hosting this event after having to cancel in 2020. Giving back to our public green spaces is more important than ever as increased use has led to more wear and tear,” said Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York. “New York’s park legacy is a responsibility handed down from one generation to the next. Through I Love My Park Day, New Yorkers are able to step up and do their part for their parks and public lands, which help us all stay healthy and active. By working together, we can make them even better."