Last month, members of the Saratoga Associates team joined Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) on their annual Empire State Trail Scout Trip — a cycling journey along the Erie Canalway Trail and Empire State Trail from Albany to Utica. Along the way, we experienced firsthand the energy and potential that this statewide trail network is bringing to New York’s canal communities.
Dan Shearer, Saratoga Associates President and CEO, joined the cycling tour group in Amsterdam for a special evening. We gathered at Lorenzo’s Southside, a beloved Italian restaurant conveniently located at the trailhead, to share a meal and stories from the trail. After dinner, Amsterdam Mayor Mike Cinquanti and Rob Spagnola, the City’s Parks and Tourism Director, led us on an insightful walking tour of Bridge Street and the surrounding waterfront. We explored public spaces and development projects designed to reconnect the city to its canalfront, including the under-construction Southside Boardwalk, scheduled for completion later this year. The tour also crossed the iconic Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook pedestrian bridge, concluding at Riverlink Park — home to a lively waterfront restaurant and the City’s popular summer water ski shows.
Dan reflected, “It was exciting for the group to witness the positive impacts the trail is already having on our canal cities and towns. We walked away with a clearer understanding of how these investments can further strengthen the local economy and enhance public spaces.”
Meanwhile, Eric Whiting, Architect at Saratoga Associates, participated in the full ride from Albany to Utica. “Riding the trail feels like traveling off the beaten path — with minimal street traffic — but in reality, this corridor is becoming the new beaten path for outdoor recreation across New York,” Eric shared. “The trail continuously connects cities, towns, and natural landscapes, and traveling it with fellow architects, engineers, writers, and travel experts brought fresh perspective to how design and planning can amplify the trail’s benefits.”
Eric added, “What was most inspiring was hearing directly from local leaders about their efforts to capitalize on this asset to spur economic growth. Real investments are being made, and it’s clear that even modest engagement with the trail can yield meaningful benefits for these communities.”
At Saratoga Associates, we are proud to be part of this conversation — helping communities leverage the trail’s presence to create vibrant, accessible, and economically thriving places.
Last Friday, Saratoga Associates’ President and CEO, Dan Shearer, joined fellow leaders in parks, tourism, and industry at Saratoga Spa State Park to release an important new report on the economic impact of New York State Parks and Historic Sites. This gathering, hosted by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), shed light on the critical role our parks play in driving the state’s economy and emphasized the need for continued investment in these natural and cultural assets.
The newly released report, produced by PTNY, The Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), and The National Heritage Trust, revealed that New York’s State Parks and Historic Sites generated 78 million visits in 2021, resulting in $5.8 billion in sales, $2.5 billion in labor income, and contributing $3.7 billion to the state’s annual GDP. These numbers stress the significant economic power of the parks system, positioning it as a major driver of New York’s economy.
The report highlights the profound local return on the state’s investment in parks and historic sites. As communities continue to benefit from increased tourism, job creation, and improved public spaces, the importance of preserving and enhancing these spaces is clearer than ever.
Led by Executive Director Paul Steely White, Parks & Trails New York underscored how parks not only offer recreational opportunities but also serve as economic engines that support businesses and local economies across the state. Dan Shearer and other key attendees, including Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga NY, Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Lori Robertson, Executive Director of Walkway Over the Hudson, and Dave Miller, Principal Landscape Architect at The LA Group reinforced the shared commitment to ensuring New York State continues to invest in its parks system.
The full report detailing the economic benefits of New York State Parks and Historic Sites can be found here.
The Future of Our Parks
As the conversation around sustainability, tourism, and public investment continues, Saratoga Associates remains dedicated to creating and preserving open spaces that enrich communities, support local economies, and provide lasting benefits for all.
