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Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster County is set for a major expansion, thanks to funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the project, which includes a new swimming facility and bathhouse pavilion, will enhance recreational opportunities for the local community.
The expansion will feature a 12,000-square-foot swimming area named Lake Sophia, in honor of Sojourner Truth’s daughter. This facility will be the first new swimming area in the New York State Parks system in 20 years. The park will also see the addition of a new entrance, improved roadways, and new trails, with completion expected by summer 2026.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of the project for providing safe swimming opportunities and engaging with nature. "The buildout at Sojourner Truth State Park is a step in the right direction to effect real change for Hudson Valley communities," she said according to the official announcement.
The park, named after the 19th-century abolitionist and suffragist Sojourner Truth, reclaims over 500 acres of Hudson River shoreline and aims to serve disadvantaged communities. Additional features, such as a scenic overlook and community event spaces, will be completed by 2027.
The $75.6 million project is largely funded by the Environmental Bond Act, with $68.1 million allocated from it and an additional $7.5 million from New York Works funding. The project is designed to minimize environmental impact while enhancing accessibility and restoring native ecosystems.