Courtesy State Parks Commission
State officials announced on June 26 that the new $2.9 million Peerless Pool Complex at Saratoga State Park was completed ahead of schedule, in time for the 2018 swim season.
Funded as a NY Parks 2020 initiative to rejuvenate and modernize the state park system, the new complex provides improved pool facilities and offers more green space nearby.
“New York State Parks are second to none and serve as catalysts that drive and energize local economies,” Gov Andrew Cuomo said. “By returning them to their original grandeur and reimagining them we are providing recreational destinations that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
The new bathhouse is one-third smaller than the old concrete structure, allowing for more green space around the pool. In addition, upgrades to the facility help to improve visitor orientation, increase safety with enhanced sightlines from the lifeguard office to the swimming areas, and provide expanded changing areas, including family bathrooms to better accommodate visitors.
Other features at the complex include a new inviting entrance plaza and courtyard that host benches, bike racks, enhanced lighting and native landscaping, a large shade canopy, covered shelters, and improved accessibility for people with disabilities.
Adjacent to the new Peerless Pool Complex are several features that complement the family friendly atmosphere including the ADA accessible Polaris playground, featuring shaded seating for parents to sit while their kids play, pavilions available to rent, a disc golf course, pollinator garden and wildflower meadow with bluebird boxes.
Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly said the pool “is a great asset to the region. I have fond memories swimming here as a child. It is a great family friendly destination in the beautiful Saratoga Spa Park.”
The Peerless Pool Complex, consisting of the main Olympic-sized pool, waterslide pool, and children’s wading pool and fountain, attracts over 30,000 visitors on average a year.
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said, “The Peerless Pool is a tremendous summertime tradition in the Saratoga Spa State Park. I thank Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Rose Harvey for their investment in a new bathhouse and pavilions at the pool. These upgrades will enhance the experience for visitors and residents alike.”
State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “For generations the Peerless Pool has provided families with great summer memories, and these improvements will help ensure that tradition continues. State parks are extremely affordable and enjoyable as they offer a full day of family entertainment that will build lasting memories for a lifetime.
She said it was completed “in record time so we could have it open for the 2018 swim season.”
State Sen. Kathy Marchione said completing the project ahead of schedule “is positively great news as we head into the summer swim season … All of these improvements will further enhance the experience for swimmers and visitors to Peerless Pool.
The 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 2018-19 state budget allocates $90 million toward this initiative.