11 Most Endangered Historic Places
America's State Parks and State-Owned Historic Sites
Year Listed: 2010
Location: *United States
Overview
America’s state parks and state-owned historic sites are threatened – perhaps more than at any other time in recent history – with deep funding cuts and uncertain futures.
In response to record-breaking deficits, state governments are cutting funding for state-owned and -managed parks and historic sites from coast to coast. State park systems welcome an estimated 725 million visits every year and include places of national significance – from Native American historic sites to Revolutionary War forts to Civil War battlefields to country estates. This year nearly 30 states have experienced cuts to parks’ and sites’ budgets, and a recent survey estimates as many as 400 state parks could close. While providing some short-term budget relief, this approach will actually cost states far more in the long term. Before they can re-open, state-owned and -managed resources will require massive investments to undo the damage suffered from abandonment, neglect, and deferred maintenance.
Want to learn more? Download our white paper for more detailed information on the issues facing America's state parks and state-owned historic sites.
State by State
While all 50 states are at risk, at least 26 (noted in blue) states across the country are facing major budget cuts for state-owned and -managed parks and historic sites. The magnitude of the nationwide problem can be illustrated by six prime examples (noted in gold).
Prime Examples
Arizona: $19 million in revenue from the operation of state parks and lottery proceeds was cut in half, and thirteen of the state’s 31 parks were forced to close. Ironically, a recent study shows how Arizona state parks – when open – attract 2.3 million visitors annually, generating $266 million of direct and indirect economic impact. Learn More »
California: Twice in the last two years, budget challenges have put the state’s 278 parks at risk, prompting their placement on the 2008 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Chronic underfunding has already impacted 150 parks with reduced services and part-time closures. In a politically-charged climate, a ballot measure slated for November will determine if voters approve a long-term, stable funding solution. Learn More »
Missouri: Over 120 state park jobs were eliminated due to the downturn in the economy, making a bad situation even worse. With an existing backlog of deferred maintenance totaling more than $200 million, the state park system’s 1,845 structures – 700 of which are historic – are put at even greater risk. Learn More »
New Jersey: State parks and state-owned historic sites have been on life support for years. Now Governor Christie is slashing the budget of the state agency responsible for parks and historic sites, reducing its funding from $11.6 million to $3.4 million. Christie’s stark budget also eliminates all funding for the Battleship New Jersey, the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, Morven Museum in Princeton, and the Save Ellis Island organization. Learn More »
New York: Governor Paterson announced the closure of 41 state parks and 14 historic sites, including landmarks like the farm and gravesite of abolitionist John Brown in North Elba and the beautiful Georgian-era Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers – a vibrant center of local community gatherings and activities. Learn More »
Pennsylvania: A drastic 37% budget cut forced the closure of Old Economy Village – an exceptionally well-preserved religious colony constructed between 1824 and 1830 and the Commonwealth’s first historic site – along with 11 other sites that will close to the public. With Pennsylvania’s next budget projected to be even more severe, the future of Pennsylvania’s historic resources is in jeopardy. Learn More »
Additional Resources
- National Associations of State Parks Directors
- America's State Parks
- National Recreation and Park Assocation
- Cultural Heritage Tourism Survival Toolkits
- 10 Endangered Parks: Special Parks and Recreation Report, Parks and Recreation, National Recreation and Park Association, April 2010
- Saving State Parks, Parks and Recreation, National Recreation and Park Association, March 2010
Share Your Stories
Do you have a favorite state park or state-owned historic site? Have you recently traveled to one? Tell us why you think these are places that matter by leaving a comment below.
