Phase 2 of the Hexagon Building Restoration into a Visitor/Nature Center
The Friends of Hamlin Beach State Park (FOHBSP)was awarded a $135,000 matching grant from the Environmental Protection Fund’s Park and Trail Partnership Grants program to make the interior of the hexagon building in Area 4 an accessible multi-use gathering space for the Friends and Park environmental educators. This historic building was last used in the 1990s as a concession stand. Refurbishing the building, while retaining its unique character, will allow the Park and the Friends to provide educational and recreational activities to a diverse community.
The FOHBSPwill need to raise an additional $7,500 in matching funds and provide $7,500 worth of in-kind volunteer services, for a total of $150,000. Interested community members are welcome to donate online at https://friendsofhbsp.org/ under the Support page.
The grant is one of 27 awards totaling $2.25 million to organizations dedicated to the stewardship and promotion of New York’s state parks, historic sites, trails, and public lands. The grants will be matched with private and local funding and will support projects to strengthen Friends groups and enhance public access and recreational opportunities.
Hamlin Beach’s Friends group, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is made up entirely of volunteers. NYS Friends groups are essential to the stewardship and promotion of the state park system. These dedicated groups raise private funds for capital projects, perform maintenance tasks, provide educational programming, and promote public use by hosting special events.
The Park and Trail Partnership Grants program, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, is administered by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide non-profit organization, in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said,“New Yorkers statewide are experiencing the benefits of restored trails, enhanced visitor centers, and engaging programs that foster a deeper connection with the outdoors. For the past decade, Park and Trail Partnership Grants have been instrumental in making these experiences possible by supporting the dedicated local organizations that steward our public lands. This year’s record-breaking awards will ensure that these vital sites continue to educate, inspire, and warmly welcome all who visit.”
The mission of FOHBSP is to support and promote Hamlin Beach State Park for current and future generations. The group’s vision is to enhance the beauty of the park, preserve its history, and support and provide programs that help the public appreciate the natural world. FOHBSP is honored to receive this grant award to support its vision. Visit https://friendsofhbsp.org/ for information about the group and upcoming events.
To view a list of all awardees in this grant round, visit: https://www.ptny.org/ptpg-round-11-awardees/. More information on Park and Trail Partnership Grants can be found at www.ptny.org or by calling 518-434-1583 ext. 3.
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