New York Governor Kathy Hochul is diving into community health and recreational access, with a substantial investment in the state's swimming facilities. The governor announced a $53 million boost for the NY SWIMS Initiative, a grant program focused on increasing community access to swimming venues statewide, particularly in areas where those resources are sparse. The latest round of funding aims to combat the rising temperatures due to climate change by ensuring communities have places to cool off.
As reported recently, this tranche of capital grants will flow through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and will be managed by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). With at least half of the funding earmarked for underserved communities, Governor Hochul is putting equity at the forefront of the initiative. “The NY SWIMS Initiative represents our commitment to getting people to put down their devices and spend time outdoors by ensuring every community across New York has the infrastructure needed to keep families safe while promoting physical activity and community connections,” Hochul said in a statement obgtained by the Governor's Office.
Competitive matching grants ranging from $250,000 to $10 million are up for grabs, intended for the construction, renovation, and improvement of swimming pools and associated facilities. Local municipalities and nonprofit organizations intending to paddle into the pool of funds must provide a 20-percent match towards their project costs, and present plans that could range from building entirely new swimming areas to renovating dilapidated bathhouses and making existing pools more accessible.
DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative,"These strategic investments in swimming infrastructure will provide safe recreational opportunities, support public health during extreme heat events, and create gathering spaces that bring neighbors together. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in prioritizing both community safety and quality of life through this vital program,” Rodriguez said. To dive into the application process, interested parties should mark September 3rd, 2025, on their calendars for a webinar provided by DASNY, with applications opening on September 24. They will remain welcome until October 30, with successful grant recipients expected to be announced by December 15, as per the Governor's Office.
Hochul's splash into recreational funding doesn't stop there. Her "Unplug and Play" initiative includes the NY BRICKS program, which channels $100 million into community centers, the NY PLAYS initiative dedicating $67.5 million to playgrounds, and the extended NY SWIMS program. The overarching mission is to get New Yorkers off their screens and into the state's vast open spaces, supporting both physical and mental well-being. For a deep dive into Hochul's recreational initiatives, or for application details on the NY SWIMS program, visit the governor's official website or connect through the appropriate state channels.
