Press Release
June 24, 2021
Dan Keefe | Brian Nearing
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
New York State Announces Opening of $30 Million Swimming Pool at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
"New York is home to some of the world's best parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, and Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is no exception," Governor Cuomo said. "Our ongoing investments in our state parks system are boosting tourism all across the state, and these improvements will offer yet another exciting new experience for residents and visitors alike to enjoy for generations to come."
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, "The swimming pool at Frank D. Roosevelt State Park will provide family fun for residents and visitors. With investment from New York State, the pool will feature a new modern structure and upgraded facilities that will draw tourists to the region, boost local small businesses, and provide safe recreation for children and families to enjoy."
The nearly 328-by-128-foot pool has a zero-depth entry slope leading toward a deep end of nine feet. A total of 26 new entertaining and colorful spray features placed at various depths enliven the pool's main wading section. The new pool was constructed inside of the old pool footprint, resulting in a surface area of nearly 42,000 square feet and a water volume of approximately 1.3 million gallons. The park's original swimming pool was constructed in 1963 and had reached the end of its useful life.
Other improvements include
- New poolside restroom building;
- Renovated concession building and lifeguard locker room;
- Sustainability improvements, including modern, efficient water filtration equipment;
- Refurbished lawns and new shade trees; and
- New lifeguard and first aid pavilion
Beginning Saturday, the pool will be open weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and weekdays 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "For decades, the Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park Pool has been the place for countless families to cool off and have fun, and I'm excited we've been able to renew this popular facility. 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 facility, which will improve the public's experience at the pool for many years to come."
Senator Peter Harckham said, "Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is one of the Hudson Valley's top family-friendly outdoor recreation areas, especially during the summer because of its swimming pool. After being operated at a reduced capacity during the pandemic, news of the pool's opening and improvements will be welcomed by many—it's a great place to cool off on those hot, sunny days. The New York State Parks staff members responsible for bringing the pool back to life for this summer deserve our thanks."
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, "Westchester residents have ample opportunities for recreation - and this newly refurbished pool only serves to expand them. Congratulations are in order for the State on the successful completion of the project, with the greater congratulations going to the families who will be able to create lasting memories in this facility. This is an example of government at its finest."
Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi said, "I grew up swimming at the FDR Park Pool - I'm excited that my kids will be able to enjoy this pool as well. This is a wonderful resource, not only for the Town of Yorktown, but for all of Westchester. The COVID Pandemic reminded us all how important our State & County Parks are. We are tremendously thankful to the workers of the NYS Parks System for everything they do to keep wonderful facilities like these accessible to all. After all we've been through this past year, we could all use some fun in the sun."
Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater said, "We are thankful to the state for its critical investment in a park that serves as a major regional destination. The FDR pool's renovation is an important economic development initiative for Yorktown's business corridors and for other downtowns in northern Westchester that provide food, entertainment and retail services to the thousands of people who visit the state park every summer."
The project is funded by State Parks capital funding and $4.5 million from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. 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 100 initiative has committed $440 million over four years, culminating in the 2024 celebration of the 100th anniversary of the State Park Act, which first created our nation-leading State Park system in 1924 under Governor Al Smith. NY Parks 100 will focus on creating places to recreate locally, relieving overcrowded parks, welcoming new visitors, and protecting New York State's environmental and historic legacy.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails and boat launches, which were visited by a record 78 million people in 2020. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. The free New York State Parks Explorer mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. To download, visit: Google Play Store, NY State Parks Explorer App or Apple Store, NY State Parks Explorer App