Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the awarding of a major construction contract for the $95.8 million reconstruction of Lake Sebago Beach at Harriman State Park, which has been closed since 2011 after damage from Tropical Storm Irene. The reopening is part of the NY Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative, aimed at expanding access to safe swimming locations across New York.
“Our NY SWIMS initiative is creating more accessible and affordable places where families and communities can escape extreme heat and come together for fun and relaxation,” Governor Hochul said. “Lake Sebago Beach has been beloved since it opened in the early 1950s and I’m excited a new generation of New Yorkers will finally get to enjoy swimming at this treasured lakefront at Harriman State Park.”
The general contractor for the project is C-Squared Constructors LLC of Wilton, NY, with an $80.8 million contract. Stantec Landscape Architecture and Geology PC was previously awarded $10 million as prime design consultant, while LiRo Program and Construction Management PE PC received $5 million as construction manager. Funding includes $78.1 million from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, along with $17.1 million from state parks capital funding. Construction on 48 acres is set to begin in spring 2026 with completion expected by summer 2027.
New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser stated, “Governor Hochul’s leadership in expanding safe swimming opportunities is reversing decades of disinvestment in swimming facilities – and this project is a prime example of that. This beach has long been an important recreation area easily accessible to the metro New York City area. Re-opening Lake Sebago to the public will provide more recreation and swimming access for a new generation of New Yorkers.”
Palisades Interstate Park Commission Executive Director Joshua Laird commented, “For decades, Sebago Beach was a beloved summer destination for families from across the New York Metropolitan Area. Thanks to our colleagues at New York State Parks and Governor Hochul’s investment of Environmental Bond Act funding, this jewel of Harriman State Park will once again become a place where fond summer memories are made for generations to come.”
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, added: “Governor Hochul is ensuring the investments made through the historic Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act are improving and enhancing connections to the outdoors and, in turn, the well-being of all New Yorkers. The comprehensive plan to rebuild Lake Sebago Beach will provide a beautiful respite from the summer heat, while incorporating key resiliency features that protect park infrastructure and the area’s natural resources.”
Lake Sebago Beach suffered significant damage during Tropical Storm Irene when high winds and flooding filled in much of its bathing area with sediment; nearby trails and parking were also affected.
The reconstruction plans include adding new sand to restore the beach; repairing existing bathhouse facilities; building new restrooms; increasing capacity for over 4,000 visitors; providing parking for at least 900 cars; constructing a promenade along the lake; installing two playgrounds as well as picnic areas; implementing solar panels on bathhouse roofs; preparing infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations; and building an updated wastewater treatment facility.
To increase resilience against future storms—and improve water quality—the project will restore Stillwater Creek between Lake Kanawauke and Lake Sebago by replacing underground piping with natural wetlands able to absorb floodwaters better than before. A new bridge will be built over this creek on Masonic Camp Road. The site’s design aims to withstand severe weather events similar in scale to those experienced during Hurricane Irene.
This effort aligns with broader initiatives included in Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget—such as allocating $200 million toward improvements across state parks—and supports additional recreational programs like Unplug and Play ($100 million), NY PLAYS ($67.5 million), plus continued funding for NY SWIMS ($90 million). These programs target underserved communities lacking access to outdoor spaces or vulnerable to extreme heat.
The Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act represents New York’s largest such investment—totaling $4.2 billion—with allocations supporting climate change mitigation efforts ($1.5 billion), flood risk reduction ($1.1 billion), water quality upgrades ($650 million), open space conservation ($650 million), as well as job creation throughout local economies.
The Office of Parks oversees more than 250 recreational sites statewide that collectively welcome over 88 million annual visitors.