Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the start of construction at Sojourner Truth State Park, which will include a new swimming facility and various additional amenities. The project is set to expand recreational access in the Hudson Valley region, with plans to open for summer use by 2026. The park will reclaim over 500 acres along the Hudson River shoreline, according to the Governor's office.
As part of New York’s broader initiative to expand green spaces, Lake Sophia, named after Sojourner Truth’s daughter, is planned to include a 12,000 square foot floating swim area. The project aligns with the NY SWIMS program, which focuses on expanding access to swimming facilities across the state. Plans also include a bathhouse pavilion with public restrooms and lifeguard facilities, aiming to enhance recreational infrastructure in the Hudson Valley.
The park is scheduled to undergo several infrastructure improvements. According to a statement from the Governor’s office, plans include a new accessible entrance off Route 32, entry roads, upgraded trails, and the restoration of historic structures that highlight the site’s manufacturing past—all targeted for completion by summer 2026. These developments are described as part of a larger initiative to "improve recreational opportunities in disadvantaged communities."
Additional developments are planned at Sojourner Truth State Park for 2027, including a scenic overlook, a repurposed industrial space for community events, and interpretive elements honoring the area's Lenape heritage, geology, and natural history. The park's design approach focuses on maximizing accessibility, while emphasizing the restoration of native ecosystems and the respectful transformation of the site’s former industrial landscape.
The project is supported by $75.6 million in funding, primarily sourced from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. According to the Governor’s announcement, the state park is located in an area characterized by significant racial and ethnic diversity, with nearly half of it designated by HUD as Low to Moderate Income. Sojourner Truth State Park is also the second park in the state named after a prominent Black woman, reflecting ongoing efforts to recognize historically underrepresented legacies.
The waterfront area of the park, opened in 2023, includes interpretive signage, native plantings, and is connected by ADA-compliant trails. This development is part of the broader New York State parks system, which, as reported by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, recorded a record 88 million visits last year. These figures indicate that facilities such as Sojourner Truth State Park serve not only as community resources but also as high-traffic destinations within the state’s recreational landscape.
