HAUPPAUGE - Seeking to keep tourist and recreational dollars in the county, Suffolk Executive Steve Levy today unveiled $1 million for improvements to the facilities at seven county camping parks, including a plan to add sites at two popular camping locations as well as enhancements at a handicapped-accessible park.

Levy also urged legislators to sustain his veto of park, golf, camping and recreational fees which was passed two weeks ago.

“I believe our public resources must remain accessible to the vast majority of our population, which is why I have not increased any park or golf fees since coming into office in 2004,” said Levy. “As the national economic picture worsens, our hard-working residents whose tax dollars have helped create the parks system may be less inclined to travel for vacation and we must continue to offer them our outstanding parks, golf courses and campgrounds at an affordable price.”

Levy has submitted a resolution, eligible for a vote tomorrow, to provide $1 million of capital improvements for the renovation or replacement of restrooms, showers and playground equipment, as well as the improvement of campsites and facilities on the premises.

“Additional campsites and upgraded facilities have the potential for bringing additional revenue to the county,” noted Levy.

The money to be allocated will go towards meeting the following proposed projects:

• Cathedral Pines: Installing additional campsites.
• Southaven Park: Installing additional campsites and upgrading existing camping facilities, such as electrical access.
• Blydenburgh Park: Constructing a handicapped-accessible sanitary building to replace an existing structure beyond rehabilitation, and refurbishing the Park Police Station/Parks Office.
• Cupsogue: Construction of an access boardwalk to the bay side of Cupsogue County Park.
• Indian Island: Improving electrical access at campsites, and constructing a Park Police satellite station.
• Lakeland County Park: Performing handicapped accessible improvements on-site.
• Meschutt Beach: Constructing a sanitary building to keep pace with the number of patrons who use the park.
• Sears Bellow: Constructing a lifeguard/EMT station.