***MEDIA ADVISORY***

Grants to fund improvements, expansion set for Genesee Valley Greenway, Niagara Shoreline Trail

Who:     State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid

              Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation CEO David Egner

              State and local officials

What:   New York State Parks announces $6.4 million in grants from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation that could spearhead at total of up to $19.1 million in total  improvements to the Genesee Valley Greenway and Niagara Shoreline Trail, both of which are key connections to Empire State Trail. The foundation is the legacy of the late Ralph C. Wilson Jr., the former owner of the Buffalo Bills and a founding member of the American Football League.

When:   Wednesday, August 21^st

              Speaking program begins at 11 a.m.

Where:  Canawaugus Park

              Rochester Street

              Scottsville, NY

               https://www.google.com/maps/place/Canawaugus+Park/@43.0184074,-77.7473956,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2f9ef29f80365a22!8m2!3d43.0184074!4d-77.7473956

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, which are visited by 74 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.