VALLEY STREAM, NY — Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages joined dozens of local volunteers at Valley Stream State Park on Saturday for the annual “I Love My Park Day,” a statewide day of service dedicated to improving and celebrating New York’s public lands.

Held each year on the first Saturday in May, “I Love My Park Day” is organized by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Now in its 15th year, the initiative brought together more than 5,000 volunteers across over 150 parks, historic sites, and public lands statewide.

At Valley Stream State Park, volunteers participated in a variety of beautification efforts, including planting trees, painting benches, and helping prepare the park for the busy summer season. The event highlighted the importance of community stewardship and environmental preservation on Long Island.

“Today, the first Saturday of May, communities all across the state come together and show their state parks love and today we are here in Valley Stream State Park with dozens of volunteers, painting benches and planting trees and so I thank you the State Parks Department for having facilities all across the state that are worthy of New Yorkers. It's just exciting to be here with my neighbors showing Valley Stream State Park love. Happy I Love My Parks Day!” said Assemblywoman Solages.

Across New York, volunteers took part in similar projects ranging from trail restoration and invasive species removal to debris cleanup and habitat improvement. This year’s efforts included the planting of approximately 2,000 trees statewide—an increase from the previous year—demonstrating growing participation and impact.

“I Love My Park Day” continues to serve as the largest single-day volunteer event focused on New York’s parks, reinforcing the shared responsibility of maintaining these vital community spaces. The day also raises awareness about the ongoing needs of parks and encourages year-round stewardship.

Assemblywoman Solages thanked the volunteers, community partners, and state agencies who contributed to the success of the event and emphasized the importance of preserving open spaces for future generations.