ROCKLAND & ORANGE COUNTIES, N.Y. – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a sweeping $25 million rehabilitation project for Bear Mountain State Park, a 115-year-old landmark along the Hudson River. The initiative aims to modernize the park while preserving its historic character, creating new opportunities for recreation and accessibility for millions of visitors.
A Century-Old Destination Gets a Modern Upgrade
“Bear Mountain has been a cherished destination for families and visitors for over a century,” Governor Hochul said. “This $25 million investment ensures the park’s facilities not only meet the needs of today but will serve generations to come. By expanding access, upgrading infrastructure and enhancing recreation opportunities, we’re making it easier for everyone to get offline, get outside, and enjoy time together in one of New York’s most beloved state parks.”
The park, which spans 5,205 acres across Rockland and Orange counties, welcomed more than 2.3 million visitors last year—a number that has grown by over 25 percent in the last decade. With demand increasing, state officials say the upgrades are both timely and necessary.
Key Features of the Revitalization Project
Construction will begin in the coming weeks, focusing on the area around the iconic Bear Mountain Inn. Planned improvements include:
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Destination Playground: A new accessible playground will be built into the slope of Bear Mountain, featuring multi-level play zones connected by an ADA-accessible path. Rock scrambles, slides up to 70 feet long, and themed structures inspired by the park’s history will create an immersive environment for children of all ages and abilities.
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Expanded Picnic Areas: Paved picnic spaces will be added along the western side of the main lawn and at the southern end of Hessian Lake. This will increase visitor capacity, reduce landscape erosion, and protect existing trees.
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Landscape Enhancements: The project will preserve mature shade trees while introducing new plantings, including native shrubs, perennials, and meadow landscapes.
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New Restrooms & Gathering Plaza: A high-capacity public restroom facility and adjacent plaza will be constructed to better accommodate growing crowds.
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Stormwater Improvements: Crews will “daylight” an underground stormwater pipe, creating a naturalized basin to filter runoff and reduce sediment flowing into Hessian Lake.
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Infrastructure Repairs: Electrical systems will be modernized, drainage upgraded, and long-needed structural repairs completed throughout the park.
Once finished, the revitalization will double the number of picnic areas and increase the park’s bathroom capacity by 20 percent.
Leaders Highlight Importance of the Project
State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons praised the project, emphasizing its role in supporting outdoor recreation for the Hudson Valley and New York City regions.
“Bear Mountain has long been a vital resource for people in the metro New York City area and the lower Hudson Valley to get outside and enjoy healthy recreation,” Simons said. “These improvements will help expand capacity for one of our flagship parks that is being visited by more people every year. This project will create more space for visitors to spread out and enjoy Bear Mountain like never before.”
Joshua Laird, Executive Director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, added historical perspective:
“More than 115 years after the Palisades Commission and Mary Averell Harriman fought off a proposed prison and advocated for the creation of a park, Bear Mountain still serves as a gateway to nature and recreation for millions of visitors from the Metropolitan Area.”
Balancing Access and Preservation
While the upgrades focus on expanding capacity, officials stress that environmental preservation is at the heart of the design. By incorporating stormwater management features and protecting mature trees, the project aims to enhance sustainability while meeting the demands of today’s visitors.
The park’s popularity has surged in recent years, with families, hikers, and tourists flocking to its trails, lakes, and picnic grounds. Officials say the improvements will reduce stress on existing facilities while enhancing visitor experience.
Construction Timeline and Access
Construction is scheduled to begin this year, with completion expected by the Summer 2027 recreation season. While the park will remain open during the work, officials cautioned that capacity restrictions may be necessary at times.
For the millions of visitors who consider Bear Mountain a family tradition, the upgrades promise a modernized, more accessible park that still honors its natural beauty and historical roots.
A Renewed Invitation to “Unplug and Play”
With this $25 million investment, Bear Mountain is poised to enter a new era while maintaining its legacy as a sanctuary of nature and recreation. For generations of New Yorkers and tourists alike, the project represents an invitation to disconnect from digital life, reconnect with the outdoors, and experience one of the state’s most iconic parks in new and exciting ways.
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