State Senate OKs deal to avert closure of parks

Beating by mere hours the unofficial opening of the summer season, the State Senate Friday approved an $11-million deal to avert the closure of 55 state parks and historic sites, including two on Long Island.

The move capped weeks of political horse trading, failed deals, and even donations by corporations and volunteers to keep some Long Island parks open, at least some of which will be donated anyway to the state.

Albany negotiators hailed their agreement, but some environmentalists panned it because it relies on money transferred from the state Environmental Protection Fund, which is used primarily to pay for large land acquisitions.

"Senate Democrats kept our promise to keep parks open for New York's families," Senate majority conference leader John Sampson (D-Brooklyn) said. "Families depend on parks for recreation, and as the economic engine that drives our tourism industry, New York depends on them for its economy."

But some environmental groups pointed out the environmental fund has never before been used to bankroll daily park operations.

"Gov. Paterson threatened to keep some parks closed so the spineless legislature folded like a beach chair, at the expense of New York's environment," Richard Amper, executive director of the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, said.

Democratic leaders said they regretted taking the money from the fund, but given the state's fiscal crisis, cuts had to come everywhere.

The 32-27 vote along partisan lines means two Long Island parks that were closed now will open: the Nissequogue River and Brookhaven state parks.

Four other parks had been slated to close but kept going by donations or by volunteers: Orient Beach, Caleb Smith, Trail View and Cold Spring Harbor. The state will now foot the bills.

Other sites, such as Connetqout River State Park, which was closed during weekdays, and the pool at Heckscher State Park, will now have full service.

The Assembly passed the same bill early Friday morning after a marathon debate.

Eileen Larrabee, a spokeswoman for the state parks agency, said work crews would quickly start mowing lawns, scrubbing restrooms and preparing concession stands.

Sen. Brian X. Foley (D-Blue Point) said he planned to celebrate the park reopenings by holding a rally at the Brentwood State Park on Saturday. "During these tough economic times, families increasingly rely on our parks for affordable, safe, and family-friendly recreation close to home," he said.

Still, Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) called the park reopening plan, which was backed by Gov. David A. Paterson, "a classic bait-and-switch scam that promises open parks and delivers a mess of millions of dollars in new taxes and fees on businesses and reduces environmental protection funds."

The Bethpage Federal Credit Union gave $25,000 to keep Caleb Smith State Park in Smithtown operating. Linda Arymn, the credit union's senior vice president for corporate development, said Friday the bank now had the option of getting the money refunded, but instead will divert it either to the Memorial Day weekend air show at Jones Beach, which it already sponsors, or to other park programs.