HENDERSON, N.Y. — Construction work has started on a $5.2 million beach-area renovation project at Southwick Beach State Park in Henderson on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario.
The project will be the first major improvement to the beachfront park in 50 years, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a news release.
It’ll feature a new bathhouse and concession building as well as restored dunes and new “green” parking lots to enhance environmental protection at the park.
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Funding for the project comes from Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 initiative and a $1 million grant from the Environmental Facilities Corporation.
“The addition of a new bathhouse and concession building combined with dune restoration and other environmental protection measures will help revitalize Southwick Beach State Park and create an even more welcoming destination for tourists and residents alike,” Cuomo said in the release.
About the project
Southwick Beach State Park, which the state describes as the “busiest day-use state park in the Thousand Islands region,” includes a 112-site campground.
Current facilities are in need of upgrade as “they no longer meet the needs of the park,” per Cuomo’s release.
The improvements will include a new concession kitchen and camp store; public gathering space with outdoor fireplace, patio area, walkways and three rental pavilions; new showers, changing areas, and restroom space with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access and family access; laundry room for patron use; games arcade; new entrance drive and sidewalk/bike path connection to campsites; and lifeguard and first aid station.
The project also includes several elements to protect the park’s environment, Cuomo’s office contends. Crews will install new parking lots with “proper” storm-water systems; bio-retention ponds; and a combination of standard asphalt pavement, porous pavement, reinforced grass paver parking, and overflow grass parking to “filter pollutants from storm-water runoff and protect water quality.”
Crews will also construct an enhanced dune system to improve shoreline habitat and prevent erosion and blowing sand. The project will also include wood boardwalks and a treed day-use area, Cuomo’s office said.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
