NY Plans To Upgrade 100 State Park Playgrounds By 2020

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York plans to spend $2.5 million to improve more than a dozen playgrounds at state parks as part of an effort to modernize 100 playgrounds by 2020.

The Cuomo administration announced Monday that it will build or improve 13 playgrounds at 11 state parks located from the mid-Hudson Valley to western New York.

The playground project is part of the state's effort to draw more youth to New York's outdoor spaces through its Connect Kids to Parks program.

The plan calls for replacing outdated playgrounds at state parks with modern equipment and distinct areas for different age groups. The improvements will include adding shade trees or canopies, water fountains and connecting trails and walkways

State officials say more than 70 playgrounds located at state parks have been built or improved since 2011.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]