The Paterson administration today released a proposal to close a number of state parks and to reduce the programs and amenities offered at others.

The proposal includes the closing of Chimney Bluffs in Wayne County and closing off swimming at Hamlin Beach State Park three days a week. The Hamlin Beach closings have particular potential to infuriate area residents, since other Monroe County beaches are frequently closed to swimming in the summer.

In a statement released this morning, Paterson says the closures are necessary to close an $8.2-billion budget deficit. "In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and social services, no area of state spending, including parks and historic sites, could be exempt from reductions," he said in the statement.

State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash said the plans are part of the agency's efforts to meet agency savings targets.

"These actions were not recommended lightly, but they are necessary to address our state's extraordinary fiscal difficulties," Ash said in a statement.

For a list of the closures, go here.

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