KINGSTON, NY — A transformative new chapter is unfolding for Kingston and the Hudson Valley, as New York State officials broke ground Friday on a major public recreation project at Sojourner Truth State Park. The ambitious $75.6 million plan will turn the once-industrial landscape into a 500-acre haven for wellness, hiking, swimming, and community gathering.
The centerpiece of the project is the first new swimming facility in the New York State park system in two decades, marking a significant milestone in expanding public access to safe and healthy outdoor activities.
Swimming Returns to the State Park System
At the heart of the project is Lake Sophia, a spring-fed lake named after Sojourner Truth’s daughter. The lake will feature a shallow swim crib for beginners and a deeper zone for more experienced swimmers, capable of accommodating up to 400 people. The addition of a modern bathhouse pavilion with restrooms, showers, and first aid services ensures the site will be family-friendly and accessible.
Governor Kathy Hochul has set an ambitious goal of opening the new swimming facility by July 4, 2026, just in time for the peak summer season.
“This time next year, Ulster County residents and visitors will be welcomed to Lake Sophia to beat the heat and enjoy all that Sojourner Truth State Park has to offer,” Hochul said, “with more exciting park amenities continuing to be unveiled through 2027.”
A Legacy Rooted in Justice and Recovery
Named after Sojourner Truth, the celebrated abolitionist and women’s rights advocate born into slavery in Ulster County, the park’s vision goes beyond recreation.
“Her truth will be heard by the visitors that come to this park,” said State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons. “This is more than a swimming hole. It’s a place of connection, reflection, and wellness.”
Simons emphasized the project’s role in providing access to nature for underserved communities, calling the park “500 acres of wellness” for residents who may not have access to green space in their own neighborhoods.
From Industrial Scar to Environmental Jewel
Joshua Laird, Executive Director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, described the project as a “remarkable story of recovery.” After decades of quarrying and industrial use, nature has reclaimed the site, which is now rich in biodiversity and scenic value.
“This was once a scarred industrial site,” Laird said. “Now it’s a place of rugged beauty that will serve future generations.”
Equity, Access, and Community Engagement
Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton highlighted how the initiative aligns with broader environmental justice goals:
“This is in a community that so desperately needs access to the waterfront. We know we cannot take investments like this for granted.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey echoed that sentiment, praising the park as a model for converting brownfields into vibrant public assets:
“Equity to the water is something every community deserves. This is a big deal.”
Local Leadership and Community Impact
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger emphasized the life-saving importance of providing safe, supervised swimming areas:
“To give this gift to our communities as a safe swim area, with lifeguards and lessons, is empowering.”
Kingston Mayor Steve Noble, who has lived in the city his entire life, reflected on the significance of reclaiming land that had been off-limits for decades:
“For 40 years this land sat vacant. Now it’s a world-class amenity,” he said, recognizing the collaborative efforts of state agencies, local government, and organizations like Scenic Hudson.
More Than Just a Park
Beyond the swimming area, Sojourner Truth State Park will also feature:
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New hiking trails
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A central commons area for community events
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Interpretive displays highlighting Indigenous history, the park’s industrial heritage, and Sojourner Truth’s enduring legacy
Simons closed the groundbreaking ceremony with a powerful reminder:
“Online, there’s no truth. This is truth — getting offline and outside together.”
As the Sojourner Truth State Park project continues to unfold, it promises not only a new recreational space but also a deeper sense of community, reflection, and connection for generations to come.
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