Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Press Release

July 16, 2024

Reopening of Lake Welch Beach

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission today announced that Lake Welch in Harriman State Park has reopened the beach and picnic grounds after a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) was first observed July 9 that prevented the lake from being open for swimming or other recreational activities. 

An algaecide was applied to Lake Welch to treat and minimize the spread of the bloom. After no visible HAB sightings over the weekend and satisfactory water quality samples, it was determined the beach could reopen for swimming.

Updates on swimming conditions at Lake Welch will continue to be posted on the website https://parks.ny.gov/parks/lakewelch/details.aspx as well as the mobile app.

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 saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on FacebookInstagram(formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.