Press Release
July 02, 2012
Dan Keefe
518-486-1868
Chenango Valley State Park Improvements Ready for Independence Day
Beach upgrades completed for summer season include new bathhouse and water system
(July 1, 2012, Chenango Forks, NY...) New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey today announced the completion of a new bathhouse at Chenango Valley State Park, north of Binghamton. Finished construction of the beachfront facility and a number of other upgrades will improve the overall experience for the park's nearly 170,000 visitors each year.
"Schools are out, summer is underway and more and more families are taking advantage of parks and outdoor recreation in New York State. Completion of the new bathhouse caps a series of revitalization projects that represent significant investment by the Governor and the Legislature helping shape this park for the upcoming season and well into the future," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Visitors can now enjoy a dramatically-improved facility with these latest enhancements."
The 2,600-sq. ft. bathhouse, which replaced an aging 1960s structure, was built utilizing green elements, and provides accessible public restrooms and changing areas, a new food service concession, lifeguard locker rooms and a health/safety center. The State has invested more than $4 million on multiple improvements at the popular Southern Tier destination including upgraded comfort stations, new electrical systems, flood remediation, cabin renovations, the bathhouse and a new $1.2 million water distribution system project funded through New York Works to provide the public with clean, safe drinking water. Overall, the New York Works initiative will provide $89 million statewide, leveraging $143 million in total funding to rehabilitate state parks, representing the single largest infusion in history of capital dollars for New York's parks.
"With summer officially here, families are already out enjoying our beautiful state parks," said Senator Tom Libous. "I'm proud to have worked with Governor Cuomo to secure funding for much-needed improvements to Chenango Valley State Park. Taxpayers will see the benefits not only in the park but in the jobs created through NY Works."
"With summer upon us, this is the perfect time for families to take advantage of New York's scenic parks and enjoy the outdoors," said Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch. "The completion of these projects is a great improvement and addition to Chenango Valley State Park and other state parks across the state, and I am proud to have helped support these revitalization efforts. New York State Parks are a great tourist destination, and these enhancements will certainly go a long way to help showcase what New York has to offer the thousands of visitors who come here year round."
Much of the park was developed in the 1930s through the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) whose workers constructed a campground, cabins, comfort stations, trails and bridle paths. Located on the east bank of the Chenango River 13 miles northeast of Binghamton, the 1,000-acre park features two "kettle" lakes, Chenango and Lily, formed from retreating glaciers. In addition to its swimming beach, fishing areas and picnic pavilions, Chenango Valley State Park offers 185 campsites, 24 cabins, and an 18-hole golf course.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connecting on Facebook, or following us on Twitter.