'The park looks amazing.' See swimming beach upgrades, what's new at Stony Brook

As the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation marks its Centennial in 2024, attendance has been sizzling right along with the temperature.

On Monday, state parks brass brought the spotlight to Stony Brook State Park , where a $4.5 million investment has put a shine on the swimming beach facilities at the 568-acre jewel outside the village of Dansville.

Stony Brook visitors and employees have been enjoying the upgraded amenities at the natural stream-fed swimming pool since it reopened for the summer season in June.

Stony Brook improvements: New bathhouse, lifeguard quarters, playground

The state project included construction of a new 1,700 square-foot visitors’ bathhouse with changing rooms, showers and restrooms, replacing an obsolete bathhouse built in the 1960s.

A new 750 square-foot building was constructed for a lifeguard headquarters, first aid area and office space.

The buildings were designed in a board and batten wood style to complement the park facilities that were constructed in the 1930s by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.

Design work was provided by Beardsley Architects and Engineers, a New York state-based architectural firm. CNS was the primary contractor.

“The bathhouse and lifeguard building are at the center of a lot of activity here at Stony Brook," said Fred Bonn, regional director of Finger Lakes State Parks. "We have the swim area, the head of the gorge trail and what they designed and built fits into that landscape, and what they designed also fits into the aesthetic of the entire park."

Other improvements under the project include a new playground, renewed footpaths and wayfinding signage, and an area for a food truck to operate during special events.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the start of construction of a further $6.4 million in improvements, which include a new park office, new and resurfaced parking lots, and updated tennis courts, which are scheduled for completion in 2025.

State officials tout swimming area upgrades, Stony Brook

“The park looks amazing," said Bonn, who was joined by New York State Parks interim Commissioner Randy Simons, Bryan Erwin, chair of the State Council of Parks, and New York state Sen. Tom O'Mara at a ceremony Monday marking the completion of the upgrades.

Dozens of park employees and visitors soaked up the sun while speakers sang the park's praises.

"It's magnificent," O'Mara said. “Stony Brook State Park is one of the Southern Tier’s great recreational attractions. This significant state investment will ensure that Stony Brook remains an outstanding destination for future generations.”

Erwin called Stony Brook "a park for all of us," adding, "whatever you want to do, if you want to swim, hike or just relish in the joy of summer in upstate New York, this is a park for all of you."

Simons said, "This is re-imagining our state park system but more so, it is re-invigorating the spirit of our communities."

Stony Brook reaching capacity regularly on weekends

A record 84.1 million people visited state parks in 2023, according to state officials, and that momentum has continued during the park system's centennial year.

Bonn said Stony Brook has been regularly reaching capacity on Saturdays and Sundays.

“We are having a record summer. All our facilities across the (Finger Lakes) region are running record attendance," Bonn added.

What to know if you go

Stony Brook State Park is located at 10820 Route 36 South in Dansville. The North Entrance for day use visitors also features a picnic area with tables, grills, restrooms and entrances to hiking trails.

The park offers a variety of play fields and courts including for tennis, baseball, volleyball and basketball. The entrance fee for day use visitors is $9 per vehicle.

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The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses and boat launches.

For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov , download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: 'The park looks amazing.' See swimming beach upgrades, what's new at Stony Brook