New York has many wonderful state parks that provide sites for recreation and appreciation of natural beauty.

But keeping up 178 parks and 35 historic sites is a huge undertaking, particularly in financially trying times.

That is why the advisory State Council of Parks, headed by philanthropist Lucy Rockefeller Waletzky, intends to raise $30 million over the next five years — to help fund capital projects throughout the system.

This year, $75.5 million in state bonds will help repair park structures, the Associated Press reported. But the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has $650 million worth of capital initiatives to complete as well.

Some state parks receive donations from private groups; Ms. Waletzky and the council seek to advocate especially for specific parks that need more help.

Carol Ash, commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, told AP that state parks will be seeing more visitors in the near future as people limit their travel during tough economic times. More than 55 million people visit New York parks and historic sites each year now. More will be coming.

The drive to seek more private funding for state parks is commendable — and needed at this time. Maintaining and improving these valuable assets must remain a high priority — at all times.