Modern energy efficient structure will replace outdated 1960s facility

Project will right-size pool facility to better serve young families and create more green space

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that a new $2.9 million project to replace the outdated Peerless Pool Bathhouse complex at Saratoga Spa State Park will begin this month. The project, funded by Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 initiative to rejuvenate the state park system, will provide much improved facilities for pool visitors while creating more green space near the pool complex.

“For decades, the Saratoga Spa State Park’s Peerless Pool has the place for countless families to cool off and have fun, and it’s time we renew this popular facility,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “The project is another big step forward in preserving and improving our exceptional state park system, which is crucial to community vitality as well as our tourism industry and economy? I’m grateful to Governor Cuomo for providing the resources to modernize the bathhouse, which will improve the public’s experience at the pool for many years to come.”

The current bathhouse, built in 1962, is in poor condition and is oversized and difficult to navigate, especially for young children. That bathhouse will be replaced with a new facility that is one-third smaller to create more green space around the pool and improve orientation for visitors, while providing much-expanded changing areas and bathrooms, including family bathrooms. Other features include:

• New inviting entrance plaza and courtyard, including new benches, bike racks, lighting and landscaping
• A large shade canopy was well as three covered shelters that will available for public rental
• Improved sightlines from the lifeguard office to the swimming areas
• Improved accessibility for people with disabilities

Senator Marchione said,

Senator James Tedisco said,

Assemblyman Carrie Woerner said,

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.

To ensure the project is complete by summer 2018, the Peerless Pool will close August 14 for construction to begin. Swimming is scheduled to be available at the Victoria Pool in Saratoga Spa State Park as well as Moreau Lake State Park in Northern Saratoga County through Labor Day.

The park improvements reflect Governor Cuomo's commitment to revitalizing the state park system and expanding access to outdoor recreation. The Governor's 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 2016-17 State Budget allocates $120 million toward this initiative.