Park activists cry out to lawmakers

NEW YORK (WIVB) - Local activists at Woodlawn Beach are calling on lawmakers to "Save Our State Parks".

The Blasdell Park is one of 41 parks in jeopardy of closing under Governor Paterson's proposed budget as he tries to solve a massive deficit.

Closing the parks would save 6.5 million dollars, but critics said that's too little to warrant the drastic action.

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, this isn't a done deal," explained Bill Stachowski of the 58th District.

Senator Stachowski said the state would still have to pay the permanent park employees, because there is no layoff agreement between the state and certain unions.