Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

"New York State Parks are second to none and serve as catalysts that drive and energize local economies," Governor 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 Peerless Pool 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.

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. Thank you Governor Cuomo for your continued support of our parks and a special thank you to the parks team and construction crews that completed this project in record time so we could have it open for the 2018 swim season."

Senator Kathy Marchione said, "Today's announcement regarding completion of the new $2.9 million Peerless Pool Complex - done ahead of schedule - is positively great news as we head into the summer swim season. The new and improved facilities for pool visitors will include more green space around the pool, better sightlines from the lifeguard office to the swimming areas, expanded changing areas with family bathrooms, an inviting entrance plaza and courtyard hosting benches, bike racks, enhanced lighting and native landscaping, a large shade canopy, covered shelters and improved accessibility for people with disabilities. All of these improvements will further enhance the experience for swimmers and visitors to Peerless Pool. I want to recognize, and thank, Governor Cuomo and Parks Commissioner Harvey for making this important project a reality. I also want to recognize the workers who got the work done ahead of schedule and also Louise Goldstein and Save the Victoria Pool Society members for their continued strong advocacy of the pool. It's officially summertime in Saratoga and Peerless Pool will be open for business."

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."

Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly said, "The Peerless 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. Thank you to all who have made this beautiful renovation a reality."

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.

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 2018-19 State Budget allocates $90 million toward this initiative.