New Era Of ‘Blazing A Trail’ Covers Expanded Approach to Parkland and Historic Preservation from 1974-1999 

Educational Tool Launched During Centennial Celebration 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced the release of a new installment of the interactive, online timeline ‘Blazing a Trail: A History of New York State Parks and Historic Sites’. This project employs photographs, illustrations, paintings, documents, archival footage, maps, and narrative to tell the story of the development of the New York State Parks system. 

This era, titled “Late 20th Century,” examines the period from 1974 to 1999, which saw New York State Parks open in New York City and the launch of the Empire State Games. As with previous eras, changes in society are mirrored by changes in New York State Parks and Historic Sites. With the recession of the 1970s, the agency’s focus shifted from expansion of parkland to rehabilitation of existing facilities. The celebration of the American Bicentennial sparked a renewed commitment to historic preservation. The newest installment, “Late 20th Century,” is available here, along with previously released eras.  

“In this installment of ‘Blazing A Trail,’ we see moments met, challenges overcome, and innovations brought to life. Between our agency’s 50th anniversary in 1974 and the close of the twentieth century, we weathered a recession, established parks in New York City, and made significant strides in historic preservation. Six of the state’s 18 golf courses were created during this period, providing daily enjoyment to New Yorkers and the opportunity for world-class events such as the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and soon, the Ryder Cup,” said Commissioner Pro Tempore of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Randy Simons. “This installment of ‘Blazing A Trail’ celebrates the accomplishments of those who worked for OPRHP during this era – some of whom remain on the job today.” 

In the first eras, users learned about the drive to conserve natural spaces during the rapid development of the late 1800s and the shift in focus from preservation to recreation. They met leaders who created the system of parks and historic sites we know today and guided its development. The third era took users into the Great Depression and New Deal years and examined the role of the park system during World War II. In the fourth era, users got a look at the post-war period through the lens of the park system. The fifth era explored leadership changes and park expansion during the Rockefeller years of the 1960s. The next two eras of ‘Blazing A Trail’ will cover the twenty-first century and the future of parks and historic sites.  

‘Blazing A Trail’ was created in celebration of the Parks Centennial in 2024. The yearlong statewide celebration included special events and exhibits held at parks, historic sites and partnering agencies and organizations throughout the year; the public engagement project Share Your Story, which collected and shared memories from staff, elected officials and the public; the Centennial Challenge, which encouraged visitation by inviting the public to complete various activities at parks and sites; and the documentary “From Land To Legacy,” produced by PBS affiliate WMHT, which premiered in September 2024 and continues to air on PBS affiliates statewide.  

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 80 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.