State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) announced that he and his colleagues in the New York State Senate passed the "Adopt-a-Park" bill on May 16th, which allows the state and municipalities to work together to develop agreements with volunteers to beautify parklands. Bill S.2686A would assist local governments in continuing to provide communities with safe and enjoyable public spaces by allowing volunteer groups to provide services to enhance and maintain parks.

Modeled after the successful "Adopt-a-Highway" program, Adopt-a-Park gives local governments the ability to fully avail themselves of assistance offered by volunteer groups. At a time when many municipalities are coping with limited budgets and strained resources, Adopt-a-Park would enable municipalities to establish volunteer agreements to make park improvements including vandalism remediation, litter removal, developing and maintaining nature trails, planting and maintaining flowerbeds, establishing and maintaining dog runs. The bill authorizes the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to provide the necessary technical advice and guidance to municipalities seeking to establish such agreements.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.