Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced August 2, Taconic State Park at Copake Falls is one of 14 locations in New York to receive funding under the state's $2.5 million commitment to build or improve state park playgrounds. This funding is part of Cuomo's goal to modernize 100 state park playgrounds by 2020. The park improvements are related to New York's Connect Kids to Parks program. That effort is intended to draw more youth to the outdoors by offering free day-use park entry to fourth-grade students and their families, and a new transportation grant program to help school children visit state parks. Under the initiative, state parks will replace outdated playgrounds with modern, code-compliant equipment and in distinct areas for young and older age groups. Playground improvements will be coupled with the addition of shade trees or canopies, seating, water fountains and trail/walkway connections to the rest of the park. Read the full press release at governor [dot] ny [dot] gov.