Saratoga Spa State Park is among 13 statewide
that will get funding for improvements this fall.
The state has committed $2.5 million to
build or improve playgrounds at eight parks.
The park improvements are part of the NY
Parks 2020 state park revitalization plan, which
includes a commitment to add or improve 100
playgrounds by 2020.
The Saratoga project calls for expanding the
existing Peerless and Geyser area playgrounds
with new play features and natural elements
that will integrate play with the park’s
environmental education programming, state
officials said. The Geyser playground will focus
on the aquatic habitat of the adjacent Geyser
Creek, and the Peerless playground will feature
naturalized fields to support the habitat of
pollinators.
“New York’s state parks are second to none
and these playground improvements are yet
one more reason for families to pay them a
visit,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “With this
funding, we are building on our success in
improving state parks and are encouraging a
new generation of New Yorkers to appreciate
the great outdoors.”
Under the initiative, State Parks will
replace outdated playgrounds at the parks
with modern, code- compliant equipment and
distinct areas for young and older age groups.
Playground improvements will be coupled with
site improvements, including shade trees or
canopies, seating, water fountains and trail/
walkway connections to the rest of the park.
“Playgrounds offer much more than a place
to have fun; they help children build physical
strength, coordination and balance – while
developing social skills,” said State Parks
Commissioner Rose Harvey.
Construction will take place following the
peak summer season. The playgrounds are
expected to be ready for use next year.
Since 2011, State Parks has built or improved
47 playgrounds as part of the Governor’s historic
commitment to improving parks and expanding
access to outdoor recreation. NY Parks 2020
program is a multi-year commitment to
leverage $900 million in private and public
funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020. The
2015-16 state budget allocates $110 million
toward this initiative.
The New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees
180 state parks and 35 historic sites, visited by 62
million people annually. For more information
on any of these recreation areas, call 474-0456
or visit www.nysparks.com.