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NYS Parks Alienation Handbook

What is parkland alienation?

Parkland “alienation” occurs when a municipality wishes to sell, lease, or discontinue municipal parkland.  Parkland alienation applies to every municipal park in the State, whether owned by a city, county, town, or village. In order to convey parkland to a nonpublic entity, or to use parkland for another purpose, the municipality must receive prior authorization from the State in the form of legislation enacted by the New York State Legislature and approved by the Governor.  The bill by which the Legislature grants its authorization is commonly referred to as a “parkland alienation” bill. The requirements for parkland alienation bills vary depending upon whether or not State dollars have been invested in the municipal park that is being considered for a potential change of use.  Therefore, it is crucial that a municipality identify whether or not State funding has been invested as early in the process as possible.

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