Press Release
June 14, 2018
Randy Simons | Dan Keefe
518-486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
New York State Parks Announces Opening of New Fort Niagara State Park Swimming Bathhouse
Modern Facility Reflects Historic Character of the Old Fort and Improves Access for Pool Visitors
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) announced the new $2.7 million Fort Niagara State Park Bathhouse adjacent to the popular swimming pool is complete and now open in time for the Fort's kick-off to the swimming season this weekend. Funded through Governor Cuomo's NY Parks 2020 initiative the bathhouse includes brick and stone masonry that reflects the historic architectural integrity of the old Fort and adds open-air entry to improve sightlines and better connect visitors between the pool and the bathhouse.
"Through our Parks 2020 initiative, New York continues to invest in our incredible public spaces like Old Fort Niagara, a historic treasure right in our own backyard," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The Niagara Region is a significant tourist destination and a driver of economic activity. The latest investment in the Fort Niagara Bathhouse will update the facility and provide an enhanced experience for the many visitors who make their way to Old Fort Niagara every summer."
"Under Governor Cuomo's NY Parks 2020 initiative one of main priorities has been to deepen the visitor experience and there is no doubt that this new bathhouse does just that," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Visitors to this park deserve this beautiful new facility and I look forward to seeing people enjoying it all summer long."
State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey joined several state and local community leaders to open the pool bathhouse at a ceremony today. The facility offers a deep roof overhang that will provide shade from the sun and cover from unexpected weather, lifeguard facilities, women's, men's and family changing rooms, ticket booth and native landscaping along the exterior of the building. The siding and trim on the building are built with materials consisting of fiber cement intended to improve the durability of the building, require less maintenance, is rot resistant and impervious to insects. The new bathhouse is ADA compliant and features accessible parking, pathways and changing facilities. Energy efficiencies incorporated into the new bathhouse include natural ventilation, LED lighting, skylights that will maximize the use of daylight and water saving plumbing fixtures.
In time for the July 4th weekend visitors to Fort Niagara State Park will also be able to enjoy new boat docks that include 700 linear feet of ADA accessible floating docks that will connect the north and south launches. The docks will include dedicated fishing space, a jet ski launch, restores the shoreline and adds a touch of beautification. The Fort Niagara boat docks, only public docks between Lewiston and Wilson, will allow boaters to stop and enjoy the park, Old Fort Niagara Historic Site and the Village of Youngstown.
Fort Niagara State Park also features woodland hiking trails, picnicking, playgrounds, soccer fields and the Fort Niagara Nature Center offering exhibits on Great Lakes ecology, ice age, Native Americans, geology of the region and the Parks' military history.
The general contractor on the project was Scrufari Construction of Niagara Falls, Frey Electric from Buffalo did the electric, Clean Water Mechanical of Buffalo handled the mechanicals, Nairy Mechanical from Webster, NY was the plumbing contractor and design was done by HHL Architects of Buffalo.
The New York 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. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.