Latest local news, weather and sports for Syracuse and Central New York

Saturday, May 18, 2013  The Cuomo administration says about $90 million will be spent this year on construction projects at 50 of the state's parks and historic sites.

Friday, May 10, 2013  Governor Cuomo announced an expanded ban on smoking in state parks, like Green Lakes and Chittenango Falls, among others.

Monday, September 17, 2012  New York's state parks department has launched a smartphone application designed to help people get information about recreation sites and events.

Sunday, September 02, 2012  As gas prices hover around the four dollar mark, many people are thinking of their pocketbooks before traveling on holiday weekends, which is actually benefiting New York State Parks.

Tuesday, July 03, 2012  A group advocating smokers' rights has sued the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to remove outdoor no-smoking signs from state parks, beaches, pools and historic sites, saying they subject smokers to hostile confrontations.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012  The Cuomo administration is suspending its restrictions on smoking in parks, pools, beaches and historic sites after a smokers' rights groups objected.

Monday, April 16, 2012  As temperatures climbed into the mid 80's on Monday, parents on the beach at Green Lakes were glad to hear that they wouldn't have to worry about cigarette smoke.

Monday, April 09, 2012  The next time you visit a State Park, you may have to butt out. Sections of state parks are about to go smoke-free.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011  Tropical Storm Irene put a major damper on attendance at New York state parks and historic sites going into the unofficial last week of the summer.

Saturday, July 23, 2011  New York state extended hours at its parks -- which were packed with folks looking to stay cool.  Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville opened an hour early this morning, at 10 am and closed an hour later than normal, at 8 pm.

Friday, July 22, 2011  With Central New York officially in a heat wave, the state is giving you some extra time to cool down.

Monday, May 30, 2011  Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer, and it's one of the busiest weekends of the year for state parks.

Friday, May 13, 2011  Camping season is now underway at most state parks in Central New York.

Monday, April 25, 2011  CNY Central has new information surrounding the arrest last week of a State Parks Police officerfor allegedly exposing himself  at a beauty shop.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011  Officials say the New York state parks system saw nearly 57 million visitors last year, an increase of one million over 2009.