Long Islanders pining for the warmth of spring and summer as they dig out from the blizzard of 2010 received some bad news Thursday when a Newsday report (subscription required) by Bill Bleyer revealed that New York State is threatening to close up to ten state parks on Long Island and either raise fees or cut services at many more.
For area golfers already dealing with the loss of several weeks of the winter golf season underneath the heavy blanket of snow, the news comes as an added kick in the shins. The state park system includes two of Long Island's cornerstone golf facilities at Bethpage and Montauk Downs, as well as nine-hole courses at Sunken Meadow and Sag Harbor and pitch-and-putts at Jones Beach and Robert Moses.
Though specific rate changes have not yet been announced, the Newsday report quoted a source at the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation who confirmed that increased golf fees are under consideration statewide. None of the golf courses are located at parks targeted for closure.
Perhaps worse news for golfers, the state's proposed service cuts include reduced course maintenance at Bethpage, according to Newsday. Golfweek ranked Bethpage Black #1 and Bethpage Red #20 on its 2009 list of America's Best Municipal Courses. Montauk Downs appeared on the list at #38.
Disgruntled Long Islanders threatened with the loss of their state parks and higher fees for golf courses, beaches and other recreational services can contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at (518) 474-0456, or call the Long Island regional office at (631) 669-1000.