Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Gathering space and restroom convenient to cross-country skilling, snowshoeing and snowmobiling trails 

New facility enhances year-round destination to Get Offline and Get Outside 

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced visitors to John Boyd Thacher State Park can now enjoy the brand-new Hop Field Warming Hut, a welcoming gathering space designed to enhance year-round access and comfort in one of the park's most popular areas. The new 1,250-square-foot facility includes a wood-burning fireplace, year-round restrooms, and a warm refuge with books and board games from the winter chill for those exploring the park's vast trail system. Construction on the $1.4 million project began in April 2024 and replaced a deteriorated 70-year-old small restroom building located at the Hop Field Picnic Area and trailhead.  

"The Hop Field warming hut offers welcoming space for visitors to gather and make memories together after a day of healthy outdoor recreation," said State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. "I'm grateful to the support from Governor Hochul to ensure it remains a popular destination, and help more visitors appreciate Thacher State Park's year-round recreational options." 

Constructed to blend seamlessly with the existing architectural style of Thacher State Park, the warming hut serves as both a hub and a place of respite for visitors exploring the Hop Field area. It also offers a venue to host events and programs year-round, including two ‘First Day Hikes' on January 1, 2025.  

The project was managed by Senior Architect Dan Neary of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and designed by Phinney Design Group. Construction was completed by M.A. Schafer Construction, B&B Premier Contracting, and Eckert Mechanical at a total cost of $1.4 million which includes construction, infrastructure improvements and site work.  

"For decades, Thatcher Park has been a haven for kids and families across the Capital Region.  It is known for its spectacular views f the Mohawk Valley, all the way to the Capitol in Albany.  Hiking and picnicking here are long held traditions for us.  This addition shows that we will always support and invest in our State Parks," said State Senator Neil Breslin. 

"I'm incredibly grateful for our state's Parks and Recreation department for this wonderful renovation of the Hop Field Warming Hut. It's set to provide new amenities for winter travelers and explorers, and was finished just in time to do so. The facility looks amazing, and I know all visitors of the John Boyd Thatcher State Park will enjoy this new hut for years to come!" Assemblymember Chris Tague said. 

"This addition reflects the kind of forward-thinking approach we need to increase recreational opportunities for our region. This warming hut will serve as a gathering place where residents and their families can come together, whether they're exploring snowy trails, enjoying winter sports, or simply looking for a peaceful moment outdoors to take in the beauty of winter. I would like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for their leadership on this project," said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. 

"This addition to Thacher Park continues to show the commitment of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to enhance this wonderful natural resource here in the Town of New Scotland," said Supervisor of the Town of New Scotland Douglas LaGrange 

Designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2023, John Boyd Thacher State Park, located in Voorheesville, NY, is renowned for its dramatic views of the Helderberg Escarpment, extensive trails, and rich ecological diversity. A beloved destination and source of pride in the Capital Region, the park welcomed an estimated 740,000 visitors in 2023. 

Video of the ribbon-cutting ceremony available upon request. 

2024 marks the 100th anniversary the State Parks system. Celebratory initiatives include ‘Blazing A Trail', an interactive timeline chronicling the agency's history and influential figures; an exhibit in the New York State Capitol's State Street Tunnel currently on view; the Share Your Story project, which invites people to tell their own stories relating to Parks and Sites; and the Centennial Challenge, which encourages people to win prizes by participating in various activities at parks and sites.

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 Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.