More than $63 million in capital grants have been awarded to 21 projects across New York State as part of the second round of the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) Initiative. The program, overseen by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, aims to help communities build and improve swimming facilities.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “NY SWIMS has already shown how transformative safe swimming facilities can be for families and neighborhoods. This next round of awards continues that progress by giving more communities the resources they need to build and improve the pools and aquatic spaces that support health, safety and year-round recreation. Through Unplug and Play, we’re creating opportunities for New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and come together.”
Of the total funding announced, over $34 million is designated for underserved communities where public swimming options have been limited. These projects are intended to address gaps in recreation infrastructure while increasing access to water-safety education and youth programming.
The current round includes grants to 13 municipal applicants and eight nonprofit organizations. Together with local and philanthropic contributions, these projects represent more than $87 million in construction investment.
NY SWIMS funds efforts to modernize or build aquatic facilities such as pools, natural swimming areas, bathhouses, mechanical systems, shade structures, lighting, and accessibility improvements. Projects were chosen based on factors including community need and readiness for implementation.
The initiative also supports Governor Hochul’s broader Unplug and Play campaign focused on improving recreation infrastructure statewide. These enhancements are expected to help communities manage extreme heat events while expanding swim instruction opportunities.
Among regional highlights:
– In the Capital Region: Schenectady will receive $8.08 million for a new pool complex; Watervliet will get $7.4 million for a new facility at Town Park.
– Central New York: Cortland is set for a $3.8 million renovation at Yaman Park; YMCA Fulton receives $2.4 million.
– Finger Lakes: Rochester’s Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center pool will see improvements from a $2.4 million grant; Cornell Cooperative Extension gets $800,000.
– Long Island: Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center receives over $427,000 for upgrades.
– Mid-Hudson: Kiryas Joel is awarded $6.5 million; Cornwall gets $5.58 million.
– Mohawk Valley: Sherrill receives $2.6 million.
– New York City: NYC Department of Parks & Recreation is allocated $5 million for Haffen Park Pool Complex renovations in the Bronx.
– Southern Tier: YMCA Ithaca & Tompkins County gets over $6 million; Horseheads receives $4 million.
The NY SWIMS Initiative offers matching capital grants between $250,000 and $10 million to municipalities or nonprofits that can demonstrate site control and matching funds with plans aimed at expanding public access.
DASNY President & CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, “This second round of NY SWIMS awards shows how communities across New York are stepping forward with well-planned projects that will make a real difference for families. DASNY is proud to administer this program and support municipalities and nonprofits as they move from vision to construction. These investments will create safe environments for swimming and recreation while fostering healthier, more connected communities.”
New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser added,“Through Governor Hochul’s leadership, the NY SWIMS program is investing millions of dollars to build and revitalize pools and swimming facilities across the state. This ongoing effort helps New Yorkers learn to swim and stay safe in and around the water. Swimming supports the mission of the ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’and this next round of grants will restore vital community resources while expanding access to safe, affordable swim opportunities for New Yorkers of all ages.”
State Senator Jose Serrano said,“The New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) Initiative is a vital investment for municipalities and nonprofit organizations to expand access to safe swimming facilities across the state.As Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs,Tourism,Parks,and Recreation,I firmly believe NY SWIMS will buildand improve swimming facilities togiveNewYorkerssafeandmodernplacestoswim.ManythankstoGovernorKathyHochulandmycolleaguesingovernmentforworkingtomaintainandexpandthisimportantinitiative.”
