Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joined dozens of volunteers May 2 at Valley Stream State Park for the annual “I Love My Park Day,” a statewide initiative focused on improving and celebrating public lands.
Held each year on the first Saturday in May, the event is organized by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Now in its 15th year, the initiative has brought together more than 5,000 volunteers across more than 150 parks, historic sites and public lands statewide.
At Valley Stream State Park, volunteers took part in a range of beautification efforts, preparing the park for the upcoming summer season. The work underscored the role of community stewardship and environmental preservation across Long Island.
“Communities all across the state come together and show their state parks love, and today we are here in Valley Stream State Park with dozens of volunteers, painting benches and planting trees,” Solages said. “And so I thank you, the State Parks Department, for having facilities all across the state that are worthy of New Yorkers. It’s just exciting to be here with my neighbors showing Valley Stream State Park love.”
Similar efforts were carried out across New York, with volunteers participating in projects such as trail restoration, invasive species removal, debris cleanup, and habitat improvement. Approximately 2,000 trees were planted statewide this year, an increase from the previous year.
“I Love My Park Day” remains the largest single-day volunteer event dedicated to New York’s parks, highlighting the shared responsibility of maintaining public spaces while encouraging year-round stewardship and awareness of park needs.
