Press Release
July 07, 2008
For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
Dan Keefe
518.486.1868
Sprayground And New Expanded Recreation Area Unveiled For Thacher State Park
Improvements totaling $7 million are in store for John Boyd Thacher State Park, including construction of a new sprayground and expansive recreation area, together with picnic pavilions, playgrounds and a climbing play area. The projects are being funded through a $132 million statewide initiative to revitalize New York state parks and historic sites, along with federal funding and a grant from the Environmental Protection Fund.
"A first-class parks system provides families with the opportunity for healthy recreation, protects the state's unique natural resources, and attracts residents, tourists, and private investment to communities around our state," said Governor David A. Paterson. "The investment in John Boyd Thacher State Park and others across the state will enable state parks to continue nourishing the quality of life in New York State, while preserving and improving local economic assets."
"Generations of Capital Region families have headed up to John Boyd Thacher to escape the summer heat, relax with friends and family, and take in the stunning vistas," said State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash. "A revitalized park with a new sprayground and great new play area will ensure Thacher State Park remains a family-friendly destination and important part of the community for years to come."
The sprayground will have over 40 spray features, including tumble buckets, super soakers and water cannons. There will be distinct areas for different age groups, surrounded by a shaded deck as well as sunbathing, eating and open lawn areas. In addition, the bathhouse will be reconstructed. The new aquatic facility is expected to be open for the 2010 season.
Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings said, "As one who over the years often frequented John Boyd Thacher State Park, I am extremely pleased to join in today's announcement which will result in significant recreational improvements to this valued community resource. For many City of Albany residents, Thacher Park represents "vacation." Therefore, the $7 million earmarked for this project will translate into making this facility a multi-season destination."
State Senator Neil Breslin said, "Thacher Park is truly a gem in the community. From the amazing views to the natural beauty found throughout the park, Thacher is an important resource in upstate New York. These much needed renovations will ensure that Thacher remains a popular destination for families and nature lovers to enjoy year round. Investing in Thacher deserves our full support."
Assemblyman John McEneny said, "Thacher park is a unique jewel in the capital district, which has provided a wonderful experience to our residents for generations. It is important that we take our obligation of stewardship seriously, as we bring this wonderful resource up to all that it can be."
An expanded recreation area - including two new picnic pavilions with sand volleyball courts and horseshoe pits, a basketball court, a games court, a new playground and separate new climbing play area, and a 250-foot track - will help make the park a multi-season destination.
Park visitors will find improved access to the park by way of a reconstructed entrance plaza, drop-off area and parking area. New pedestrian walkways throughout the aquatics and recreation areas will link adjacent existing picnic areas.
Other improvements scheduled for Thacher Park include paving four parking areas and improving drinking water systems.
In April, Governor Paterson and the Legislature approved a state budget that advances a $132 million capital improvement spending plan for New York's 178 state parks and 35 historic sites - the single largest capital investment in the history of the state park system. The infusion will enable the state to begin addressing the extensive capital needs of the parks system - needs that have been estimated at nearly $700 million.
The pool that had been a Thacher Park feature closed in 2005 due to severe and irreparable infrastructure problems. Although an announcement was made in March 2006 by the prior parks administration that a smaller pool would be built, the project never went foward. Ash noted that the decision to replace the 55-year-old pool with a new, expansive recreation area and sprayground was based on a drop-off in pool attendance over the past decades. The number of people attending the pool fell from over 30,000 in the early 1990s to 12,369 in 2005. Further, over the years there were numerous complaints that the water was too cold for swimming at the Helderberg park.
"While the main attraction of this recreational area will be the sprayground, we are also excited that all of the other features will be three-season - providing great play opportunities from spring through fall," Ash said.
The 1934-acre Thacher Park, visited by nearly 300,000 patrons every year, sits at the top of the Helderberg escarpment, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world, and features miles of hiking and biking trails, guided walks and interpretive programs. Four miles away, Thompson's Lake State Park offers swimming, camping, picnic areas, boat launch and rentals, fishing, nature trails, and playgrounds. The Emma Treadwell Nature Center, at the northern end of Thompson's Lake, offers activities and interpretive programs.
Each year, more than 55 million people visit New York State parks and historic sites, making them a key component of the tourism industry. A 2007 survey indicated that nearly 80 percent of park visitors participate in dining, shopping, or recreational activities outside the park during a park visit. For more information about state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com.
- Additional Documents
- Thacher State Park Sprayground (pdf)
- Thacher State Park Site Plan (pdf)