Governor Kathy Hochul today announced completion of $4.5
million in improvements for public swimming facilities at Stony Brook State
Park in Steuben County. Governor Hochul also announced the start of
construction of a further $6.4 million in improvements, which include a new
park office, new and resurfaced parking lots, and updated tennis courts, which
are scheduled for completion in 2025. The project complements Governor Hochul’s
“Get Offline, Get Outside” summer campaign to promote physical and mental health
by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers,
take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social
gatherings as well as the New York Statewide Investment in Municipal Swimming
(NY SWIMS) initiative to expand access to safe public swimming opportunities.
“Stony Brook State Park is nearly a century old, and these
upgrades will ensure it remains an outdoor recreation destination for many
years to come,” Governor Hochul said. “Swimming in this glacially created brook
is a wonderful, unique experience, and I encourage New Yorkers to get offline,
go outside, and take a dip this summer.
The project included construction of a new 1,700 square-foot
visitors’ bathhouse with changing rooms, showers and restrooms, which replaced
an obsolete bathhouse built in the 1960s. A new 750 square-foot building was
constructed for a lifeguard headquarters, first aid area, and office space. The
buildings were designed in a board and batten wood style to complement the park
facilities that were constructed in the 1930s by members of the Civilian
Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Design work was provided by
Beardsley Architects and Engineers, a New York State-based architectural firm.
Other improvements under the project include a new playground, renewed
footpaths and wayfinding signage, and an area for a food truck to operate
during special events.
Located just south of the village of Dansville and
established in 1928, the 568-acre park offers two stream-fed swimming pools,
picnic tables and pavilions, and three miles of hiking trails that pass by
scenic waterfalls, as well as 88 campsites, a group campsite, and eight rustic
cabins in woodlands above the gorge that forms Stony Brook.
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy
Simons said, "This work reflects Governor Hochul’s continuing commitment
to keep our State Parks welcoming and affordable for New York families. During
the last decade, nearly 1.8 million visitors have come to Stony Brook to enjoy
its striking scenery, and these new facilities and the improvements to come are
going to make that experience even more enjoyable.”
State Senator Tom O'Mara said, “Stony Brook State
Park is one of the Southern Tier’s great recreational attractions. This
significant state investment to enhance the park’s public swimming facilities
will ensure that Stony Brook remains an outstanding destination for future generations.”
Assemblymember Marjorie Byrnes said, “As we celebrate
the completion of these significant improvements at Stony Brook State Park, we
are not only enhancing a cherished destination but also reinforcing our
commitment to the health and well-being of New York's families. This investment
provides safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities for all. Let's embrace
this opportunity to disconnect from our screens, connect with nature, and
create lasting memories in our beautiful state parks."
Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign builds
on her efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families across
New York. Governor Hochul recently signed nation-leading legislation – the Stop
Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and New York Child Data
Protection Act – to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield
their personal data from online platforms. As part of her $1 billion investment
in mental health statewide, Governor Hochul has significantly expanded access
to mental health care and resources for young people and their families,
including school-based mental health clinics and Youth Assertive Community
Treatment teams. This focus on youth supports and services continued with
additional investments secured by the Governor in the FY2025 Enacted Budget.
