Press Release
February 26, 2025
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
New York State Parks Announces $3.6 Million Renovation of the Peerless Pool Complex at Saratoga Spa State Park
Project supports Governor Hochul's ‘Unplug and Play' strategy to promote kids' physical and mental health
Innovative pool designs seek to redefine public pool experience
Renderings Available Here
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced the start of a $3.6 million renovation of the "kiddie pool" area of the Peerless Pool complex at Saratoga Spa State Park. The project features a complete transformation of the kiddie pool utilizing innovative and specialized designs to emphasize the natural beauty of the park and promote mental and physical wellness of young park goers.
"The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park is an affordable option for families to escape and cool off during the summer heat," New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said. "Thanks to Governor Hochul, this project will further expand the park's excellent pool offerings and add new creative amenities and experiences for thousands of parents and their children. It reflects our commitment to creating a space of wellness and retreat for all New Yorkers. The inspired design will transform an ordinary public pool into a vibrant, imaginative space where young New Yorkers can be inspired, explore, and find joy in the outdoors."
The newly renovated kiddie pool will reduce the amount of concrete and introduce nature-inspired design elements, including a replica of the park's famous natural spouter. This replica spouter will flow into a stream which leads into the kiddie pool. Encompassing the children's area will be a new garden, sitting area, and gazebos. Additional improvements include an ADA-accessible zero-entry kiddie pool and multiple spray features for children, as well as refurbished and reconfigured water slides and slide pool. Basic pool infrastructure such as circulation pumps and disinfection systems will also be replaced.
The Peerless Pool complex at Saratoga Spa State Park, originally built in 1962, hosts on average 75,000 people from June to September every year. The kiddie pool and waterslides were last renovated nearly 30 years ago in 1996.
Work is expected to be complete for the 2026 season. The construction will not affect the main Olympic-size pool at the Peerless Pool complex, the park's learn-to-swim program or the Victoria Pool at Saratoga Spa, which will remain open for the regular 2025 season.
Senator Jim Tedisco said, "While winter still has its grip on our area, dreams of warm summer weather make the news that the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is starting the renovation of the historic Saratoga Spa State Park kiddie pool area of the Peerless Pool very encouraging. This project will provide young people with a wonderful venue to not only stay cool in warm summer months but also to recreate, socialize and exercise."
Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, "The Spa State Park is an incredibly special place that offers its many visitors tennis, golf, playgrounds and pools in an historical setting rich in natural springs, lush gardens and evergreen forests. I'm grateful for the Governor's significant investment in the kiddie pool area specifically, making it safer, more accessible, more reflective of the park's unique beauty – and more fun! Children's laughter from the new water slides, sprays and spouts will surely enhance the wonderful atmosphere this park is already so well known for."
Saratoga Springs Mayor Safford said, "When my grandchildren were small, between Camp Saradac in the city and me, they were at Peerless at least three times a week. It is a wonderful resource for the City of Saratoga Springs and the greater community. I totally support your effort to keep it viable."
The project builds on Governor Hochul's efforts to encourage outdoor recreation. The Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget proposes $200 million for State Parks to invest in and aid the ongoing transformation of New York's flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects throughout the park system. The Governor's new Unplug and Play initiative also earmarks $100 million for construction and renovation of community centers through the Build Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS), $67.5 million for the Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) initiative helping New York communities construct new playgrounds and renovate existing playgrounds; and an additional $50 million for the Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative supporting municipalities in the renovation and construction of swimming facilities. In the first round of NY SWIMS, New York State awarded $150 million in grants to municipalities to support 37 projects statewide.
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, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. 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. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.