Parks will open, but expect limited services

According to a number of sources–including Gov. David Paterson–a legislative deal has been reached in Albany that will open all parks, recreation areas and historic sites across New York State.

I just got off the phone with Kevin Kieff, regional parks director in the Thousand Islands. He gave me these details on the eight (previously shuttered) sites now expected to open (with all the other state parks and historic sites) tomorrow:

Macomb Reservation State Park, in Clinton County: camping will NOT be available tomorrow

Point Au Roche State Park, on northwestern Lake Champlain: the day-use beach, like all swimming spots managed by the state parks department, was not expected to have a lifeguard on duty until the end of June

Eel Weir State Park, near Ogdensburg: camping will NOT be available over the Memorial Day Weekend, but Kieff says he hopes to have the campgrounds up and running by the middle of June

The Island Parks: Cedar Island, Mary Island and Canoe Point in the Thousand Islands: Seasonal docks need to be moved into place and the seasonal water system has to be up and running. Kieff says he expects to have these three sites fully operational by the third or fourth week of June

Keewaydin State Park, near Alexandria Bay: Kieff says he hopes to have the park open tomorrow (Friday, May 28) and have the campground open, as well

Sacketts Harbor Battlefield: The full complement of seasonal interpreters will not be in place, but Kieff says he hopes the site will host a Memorial Day observance

We’ll have more this afternoon on All Before Five, at 4:45:PM.