Construction for the rehabilitation and preservation of the Roosevelt II Bathhouse in Saratoga Spa State Park is under way, state officials said.
The project is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 initiative to rejuvenate the state park system.
A $2.2 million renovation project will convert the 1930s Georgian Revival-style bathhouse into a multi-purpose facility for Coesa and additional future tenants. The 18,000-foot facility will have a renewed front lobby, new public restrooms, updated utilities, and a new tenant space for the Coesa Wellness Center.
The local holistic wellness community will offer classes and programs to inspire and support people who desire a healthier self and world, including programs on leadership, mindfulness, workplace culture and therapeutic yoga teacher training, officials said.
In addition to renovating the bathhouse, the state will also undertake a $345,000 project to rehabilitate the roofs, masonry and the plaster ceilings of the Hall of Springs and Administration Buildings arcades.
Both projects are slated to be complete by the end of the year.
“We are very excited by our public-private partnership with Coesa to build on Saratoga Spa State Park’s tradition as a destination for health and wellness,” said state Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey.
Stephanie Ferradino, Esq., co-chair of the Coesa board of directors said the business was of Coesa “born from a small group of people who see the incredible benefit of gathering people together for the purpose of producing connection, inspiring healing, raising consciousness, fostering leadership, strengthening community and increasing well-being. In a world looking for connection and well-being, Coesa is poised to deliver it in the heart of the healing Saratoga Spa State Park.”
Libby Coreno, Esq., also a co-chair of the Coesa board, said the group will be launching a $1 million capital campaign to allow for the finishing of the interior of the space of Roosevelt II, the hiring of an executive director and a retreat coordinator, and assisting in the first two years of operations.
“For decades, Saratoga Spa State Park has drawn families for recreation and restoration, and this latest development will enable allow this Capital Region destination to meet the modern needs of its visitors,” Cuomo said. “The project is another major step in the renewal of this jewel in our park system and a cornerstone of the region’s tourism industry.”
Construction has also begun to add a new bathhouse for the Peerless Pool in the park, slated to open this summer, state officials said. Other recently completed improvements to the Saratoga park include a new classroom for environmental education programs; renovations at the Victoria Pool complex; and paved recreational trails, playgrounds and picnic shelters.
State Sen. Kathy Marchione said the bathhouse project “will celebrate and preserve the incredible history and architecture of the Park, as well as promote lifelong learning, leadership and wellness. This project is a win-win for our Saratoga community.”
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said the park “provides so many valuable recreation opportunities to the residents of Saratoga Springs and surrounding communities. The rehabilitation of the Roosevelt II Bathhouse will preserve a historic building, boost tourism, and generate economic activity for the Saratoga County region, and I look forward to seeing the results of this public-private partnership.”
Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly said, “it is exciting to have Coesa Inc. enhance our residential and tourism experience in the State Park. As they revitalize the historic structures and create an opportunity for people to ‘create a healthier self and world,’ it is priceless to our community. I look forward to supporting their efforts in our city’s beautification and historic sustainability.”
The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually. Officials said a recent study found that state parks generate $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs.