Park supporters send strong message

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Lawmakers told News 4 they've been getting a lot of phone calls from taxpayers who don't want parks to close.

If Woodlawn and Knox Farm do close, it would be the first time any Governor in New York state has ever done this.

Woodlawn Beach State Park in Hamburg is one of 41 parks the state plans to close.

Governor Paterson has said it needs to be done because of the state's $8 billion budget deficit.

Taxpayers and lawmakers from both sides are now coming together to insist the Governor find another option.

William Hudson of the Buffalo Audubon Society said, "Audubon is not gonna let parks close."

State parks and historic sites generate nearly $2 billion in revenue.

"There are some things whose value can't be measured in dollars and cents. Parks are like that," William remarked.

Many families rely on parks for their recreation, especially in tough financial times.

Julie Barrett O'Neill explained, "And there's nothing else we want to hear out of the mouths of everyone of our neighbors and friends, is that we want to be able to be close to the water."

Closing the parks would save $6.5 million.

Critics said that's only a small portion of the deficit and a cut not worth making.

Jack Quinn of the New York State Assembly said, "You can do mergers with different types of agencies, medicaid reform."

"What we really find troubling is that the Department of Parks is already canceling people's reservations. The budget process isn't even over, and this isn't a done deal," Bill Stachowski of the 58th District in Hamburg said.

Senator Stachowski said the state would still be spending money, even if the parks do close.

"A lot of the permanent park employees can't be laid off because he has a no lay off agreement with certain unions," he explained.

Lawmakers told News 4 that for every dollar the state spends on each park, it gets back $5.00.

Some lawmakers said Governor Paterson doesn't have the political power right now to tell them what they should.