Latest news with #RandySimons
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New York State Parks announces $3.1M in upgrades at Woodlawn Beach State Park
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — New York State Parks (NYSP) and Recreation and Historic Preservation announced on Monday the completion of $3.1 million in upgrades at Woodlawn Beach State Park. The changes include a new police station, an upgraded lodge and bathrooms, and various maintenance improvements, NYSP said. The project branched off of the expansion project of the wetland near Blasdell Creek, which flows into Woodlawn Beach, in 2023. It reportedly decreased invasive species and planted over 10,000 native plants. A 3,000-square-foot police station, which includes a training room, booking area, locker rooms and offices, cost $650,000 and will serve the Buffalo Harbor, Woodlawn Beach, Evangola and Knox Farm State Parks. A total of $1,960,310 was used for improving bike racks, benches, toll booths, signage, lighting and landscaping. All of the bathrooms' fixtures, finishes and partitions were replaced, along with new foot-washing stations, for $280,130. Lastly, aesthetic improvements of a new roof, trim and painting for the maintenance building was completed for $243,367. 'These upgrades will go a long way in making this park an even more attractive place to come and unwind and disconnect from everyday life,' said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Randy Simons. 'There is no better place than a beach to really get away from it all. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her ongoing commitment to improving not only the facilities of our state parks but improving the mental and emotional well-being of all New Yorkers through these investments.' Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Safe Boating Week in New York starts tomorrow
NEW YORK STATE (WWTI) – The impending start of summer means plenty of New Yorkers will be on the water. National Safe Boating Week begins tomorrow and runs through May 23. The event is a campaign sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council and provides an opportunity to spread the message of boating safety and encourage boater education. During the season, boaters are reminded to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear a life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water. NYS raising awareness of boating under the influence The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) begins its recreational boating season to coincide with National Safe Boating Week. As the 2025 boating season begins, safety on New York waters remains our top priority. Our Marine Services team has been working hard to ensure boaters are prepared before heading out. Brianna's Law plays a vital role in promoting responsibility and saving lives on the water. State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons One the newest things for state boaters is that Brianna's Law is in effect Brianna's Law as of January 1. The law requires safe boating certificate for all motorized boat operators, regardless of age. Brianna's Law is named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl who died in a boating accident on Long Island when a boat ran into her family's cabin cruiser in August 2005. The law was phased in over several years and gradually expanded to include all operators by the start of this year. Since the law was enacted, 213,637 have taken the course and, in the first four months of this year, more people have earned a certificate than all of 2024. As part of this special week, the state reminds kayakers and other paddle craft operators that they are boaters too. In addition to a properly sized U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, paddlers must also carry a sound signaling device, such as a whistle, on board. Kayaks, canoes and row boats can be hard for larger boats to see. Paddlers are advised to stay close to shore, wear bright colors, and consider using reflective paddle stickers or a flag to increase your visibility to other boaters. Boaters can also request free reflective paddle stickers by sending a self-addressed, stamped legal size envelope to: NYS Parks Marine Services Bureau Safety Stickers Albany, NY 12238. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
