New Park Offering Public Swimming is Coming to Kingston

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the massive buildout plans for the Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster County, NY, which will include some amazing amenities.

Sojourner Truth State Park in Kingston, NY

New York's newest park, named in honor of the life and legacy of 19th-century African American abolitionist and suffragist Sojourner Truth, will span more than 500 acres of Hudson River shoreline in both Kingston and the Town of Ulster.

Last week, Gov. Hochul and the New York State Parks Department made their plans for the State Park official, announcing that the park will turn a spring-fed quarry lake into a public swimming facility. The new facility will be named in honor of Sojourner Truth’s daughter, Sophia, which will include a bathhouse.

Lake Sophia in Ulster County, NY

The new swimming facility will be the first new swimming facility in the State Parks system in 20 years, according to a press release. It will be located on the western side of the park, offering swimmers a more structured swimming experience.

It will feature a 12,000-square-foot floating swim crib, which will provide a safe environment for those learning to swim or who would benefit from an accessible design.

It will also feature a nearby pavilion, which will include public restrooms and showers, a first aid station, and lifeguard facilities.

"A lack of access to safe and convenient swimming opportunities has denied far too many New Yorkers the chance to get off line and get outside by engaging with the water and learning foundational water safety skills," Governor Hochul said. "The buildout at Sojourner Truth State Park is a step in the right direction to effect real change for Hudson Valley communities. This time next year, Ulster County residents and visitors will be welcomed to Lake Sophia to beat the heat and enjoy all that Sojourner Truth State Park has to offer, with more exciting park amenities continuing to be unveiled through 2027."

More Improvements at Sojourner Truth State Park

Other improvements at the park include a new convenient park entrance directly off of Route 32 in Kingston, upgraded roadways, parking lots, and trails within the park are expected to be completed by next summer.

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The park's complete buildout is expected to be completed by 2027 and will include additional trails, including a scenic overlook destination; a repurposed industrial site with public restrooms, designed to host outdoor community events; and informational signage to interpret the area’s Indigenous Lenape heritage, industrial history, geology, and natural environment.

Price Tag for New Park in Ulster County, NY

The project is expected to cost $75.6 million and is largely supported by $68.1 million in funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, according to Gov Hochul. An additional $7.5 million in funding is supported by New York Works funding.