Groundbreaking for Sojourner Truth State Park Highlights Commitment to Disadvantaged Communities

Strategic Insights -

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the groundbreaking for the buildout of major elements of Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster County, including a new swimming facility and bathhouse pavilion. Funded in part by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the project is a step in the right direction to effect real change for Hudson Valley communities.

This new park reclaims more than 500 acres of Hudson River shoreline land shared by the City of Kingston and the Town of Ulster, advancing New York State's commitment to Bond Act investments in disadvantaged communities. The buildout will include a new convenient park entrance, entry road, trails, and restrooms for visitors and staff maintenance and administrative buildings. The park will be named in honor of the life and legacy of 19th-century African American abolitionist and suffragist, Sojourner Truth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project is funded in part by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, with $68.1 million in funding allocated for the buildout of major elements of Sojourner Truth State Park.
  • The park will include a new swimming facility named after Sojourner Truth's daughter, Sophia, which will be the first new swimming facility in the State Parks system in 20 years.
  • The swim crib will provide a safe environment for those learning to swim or who would benefit from the comprehensive accessible design.
  • The adjacent pavilion will include public restrooms and showers, a first aid station, and lifeguard facilities.
  • The project aims to minimize the footprint of the improvements, maximize accessibility, foster the re-establishment of native ecosystems in the post-industrial landscape, and improve recreational opportunities in disadvantaged communities.
  • The entire project costs $75.6 million, with an additional $7.5 million in funding supported by New York Works.
  • The project is scheduled to be completed by summer 2026, with additional buildout throughout the park completed by 2027.
  • The park will be one of the first in the State Parks system to be built using sustainable design and construction methods.
  • The project includes the installation of bilingual interpretive signs about the river and the site's history, bike racks, and seasonal toilet facilities.
  • The waterfront area contains native trees, shrubs, and grasses planted in 2023 to enhance the site's ongoing recovery from its historic past as a hub for brick and cement manufacturing.
  • The project aims to reveal and share historically undertold stories of ordinary and extraordinary people across New York State.

Statistics:

  • The project costs $75.6 million, with $68.1 million allocated from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
  • The project will be completed in two phases, with the first phase scheduled to be completed by summer 2026 and the second phase completed by 2027.
  • The park will include 500 acres of land reclaimed from the Hudson River shoreline.
  • The swim crib will be 12,000 square feet in size.
  • The park will include 2,000 square feet of shaded community pavilion space.
  • The project aims to restore 20% of the park's habitat by 2026.
  • The park will be one of the first in the State Parks system to be built using sustainable design and construction methods.

Sources:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul's news release dated [no date provided]
  • The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's press release dated [no date provided]
  • Palisades Interstate Park Commission's statement dated [no date provided]
  • Scenic Hudson's press release dated [no date provided]
  • State Senator Michelle Hinchey's statement dated [no date provided]
  • Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger's statement dated [no date provided]
  • Kingston Mayor Steve Noble's statement dated [no date provided]
  • Scenic Hudson's President Ned Sullivan's statement dated [no date provided]