There’s plenty of good news coming out of New York! Across the state, new projects are improving facilities, restoring aging infrastructure, and giving well-loved places a fresh start. Together, these projects show the many ways communities are working to improve the places where New Yorkers go to hike, bike, swim, learn, and spend time outdoors.
We rounded up 9 recent projects worth knowing about. Here’s a look at what’s new across New York’s public lands!
Lake Awosting Carriage Road Restored at Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Hikers visiting Minnewaska State Park Preserve have a newly restored route to enjoy. A project at Lake Awosting repaired 2.6 miles of carriage road, with work including resurfacing, new retaining walls, and drainage improvements designed to reduce erosion and flooding.
Led by the Open Space Institute in partnership with New York State Parks and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, the restoration allows visitors to complete a loop around Lake Awosting. The lake is one of the Shawangunk Ridge’s most scenic destinations, and the improved carriage road makes it easier to enjoy the area.
New Cataract Stairs Bring Visitors Closer to Niagara Falls
Visitors to Niagara Falls State Park have a new way to experience the iconic site. The completed Cataract Stairs and Overlook project added 163 stairs to the existing staircase, bringing the total to 274. A new overlook, located just 35 feet from the Falls, gives visitors a whole new vantage point.
The $12 million project also improves visitor circulation and safety, with an alternate route out of the Niagara Gorge. It’s an exciting update at a destination that welcomes millions of visitors each year.
Lincoln Bathhouse Reopens at Saratoga Spa State Park
The historic Lincoln Bathhouse at Saratoga Spa State Park has a new lease on life! After a multimillion-dollar renovation, the bathhouse reopened in October with accessibility upgrades, expanded parking, new landscaping, and a renovated interior. The building now features a visitor welcome area and gift shop, along with the new Saratoga Museum of Hydrotherapy, which explores the region’s mineral water history and the bathing traditions that helped make Saratoga famous.
George Washington Statue Returns to Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh
A familiar landmark is back at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh. The bronze statue of George Washington has returned to its place atop the Tower of Victory after being away for several years. The statue underwent restoration before being reinstalled, bringing a prominent piece of the site’s history back for visitors to enjoy.
Its return is part of broader improvements at the historic site, including rehabilitated pathways, new walkways, terrace upgrades, updated museum exhibits, and restoration work at the Hasbrouck House.
A New Place to Cool Off at Jones Beach State Park
The historic East Bathhouse at Jones Beach reopened this summer after being closed to the public since 2009. The $100 million restoration includes a new learn-to-swim pool and interactive sprayground, giving families another place to enjoy the beach while helping children build swimming skills. The project gives new life to an important part of Jones Beach’s history while adding a welcome recreational option for visitors.
New Sentry Bridge Opens at Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park’s famous Gorge Trail has an exciting new connection. A new Sentry Bridge opened in July, restoring access to the park’s popular Gorge and Southern Rim Trails. The bridge replaces the original 1908 structure, which had deteriorated after more than a century.
The $7.5 million project features a lightweight stainless-steel design built for the challenging gorge environment. It also improves pedestrian flow and sightlines, helping visitors enjoy the park’s waterfalls and dramatic scenery. The new bridge is a welcome addition to one of New York’s most well-known hiking destinations.
Champlain Canalway Trail Reopens in Fort Edward
Empire State Trail users have another important connection back! A two-mile section of the Champlain Canalway Trail between Towpath Lane and Route 196 in Fort Edward and Kingsbury has reopened after being resurfaced with stone dust. The section originally opened in 2020 but was closed for several years during construction of the Champlain Hudson Power Express project. The resurfacing provides a more comfortable trail experience for people walking and biking.
The reopening was celebrated October 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and slow-roll bike ride at Mullen Park. The restored section reconnects users with the Feeder Canalway Trail and other nearby routes. Fort Edward is an Empire State Trail Town, and the improvements are good news for local residents and visitors. PTNY’s recent Empire State Trail economic impact study found that the trail attracts approximately 73,760 visits annually in Washington County, generating $13 million in annual economic output.
Protecting Wetlands While Improving Trails in Chautauqua County
At North Harmony State Forest, a trail improvement project is helping protect an important wetland habitat. The Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System (CCETS) completed its Protect the Wetlands Trail Project with support from a $206,975 Park and Trail Partnership Grant. The project rerouted approximately 1,300 feet of trail away from a designated wetland and onto higher, drier ground.
Nearly 4,000 feet of trail also received improvements, including stabilization fabric, gravel, and grading to improve drainage. The work helps prevent erosion and reduce impacts on sensitive habitat while creating a more durable route for equestrians and other trail users. Developed in partnership with DEC, the project shows how Friends groups play an crucial role in caring for public lands.
Sweet Improvements at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Visitors to Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar will have an improved setting for one of the center’s favorite seasonal activities: maple sugaring! The Friends of Five Rivers received a $22,975 Park and Trail Partnership Grant in 2024 to improve the center’s sugar shack and maple sugaring program. Funding supported upgrades to heating, equipment, supplies, and educational materials.
The improvements were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in last month. The upgraded facilities will help the center continue sharing the tradition and science of maple sugaring with visitors.
Investing in New York’s Parks and Trails
Keeping New York’s parks and public lands in great shape takes ongoing investment, and some of these projects wouldn’t be possible without local Friends groups and community partners. Through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant (PTPG) program, we work with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation to help these groups turn their ideas into projects that make an impact.
Since 2015, PTPG has awarded more than $12.1 million to over 90 Friends groups, supporting 272 projects across the state. The improvements at North Harmony State Forest and Five Rivers are just two examples of how these grants help strengthen the places New Yorkers love.