Over $2M in Funding for Pools and Splash Pads

NEW WINDSOR – Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) joined town supervisors from Goshen, New Windsor, and Warwick recently to announce over $2 million in grant funding secured by Skoufis for the building and revitalization of pools and splash pads around Orange County. New Windsor will receive $750,000 for the construction of a new splash pad, $600,000 to the Town of Warwick for improvements to the existing pool in Mountain Lake Park, and $720,000 to the Town of Goshen for a new Goshen Aquatic Center.

With extreme heat events increasing in frequency year after year, access to public swimming and water recreation facilities has become even more vital. While the Governor recently announced funding through the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) program for pool infrastructure projects across the state, those in the Senator’s district–including in Goshen which applied for the money–were passed over.

SUNY Orange, a recipient of programmatic funds through NY SWIMS, will utilize $65,000 in state funding to run three American Red Cross-certified courses from its Middletown campus. Training will include water safety instructor training, lifeguard training, and learn-to-swim. The funding will subsidize class fees for all who take part.

“Municipal pools and splash pads are more than just a way to cool off in the summer. They can foster a sense of community, provide a physical outlet for all ages, and increase public safety in places where water accessibility has been limited,” said Senator James Skoufis. “I was disappointed that the Governor’s NY SWIMS program largely ignored the needs of communities in our Senate district which is when I stepped in to make sure our local projects could move forward. A public pool or splash pad can be a cornerstone for our communities, and I am proud to award these grants to ensure that Orange County reaps these benefits.”

“In Goshen’s ever-growing neighborhood, we have a vision to create a swimming facility that would serve as a hub of recreation, wellness and exercise, with the firm belief that a swimming pool would foster a stronger sense of community and improve the quality of life for all residents,” said Goshen Supervisor Joe Betro.

“I would like to thank Senator Skoufis for this grant to help fund our splash pad for our residents,” said New Windsor Supervisor Steve Bedetti. “We are looking forward to many summers of fun once the project is completed!”

“A splash pad for our residents has been a priority of mine since taking office,” said New Windsor Councilwoman Even Lincoln. “I have heard time and time again from our residents on their desire to cool down on a hot summer day. Thank you to Senator Skoufis for helping with this grant!”

“On behalf of the Town Board, and the residents of Warwick, I would like to thank Senator Skoufis and his staff for their hard work and assistance with securing funding on this tremendous project,” said Warwick Supervisor Jesse Dwyer. “The Town of Warwick is focused on improving all of our parks and this funding will allow us to add a new pool restricted to young children and young parents and upgrade our pool infrastructure and safety equipment at our Mountain Lake Park.”

According to statistics reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is a leading cause of death for children 1-4, and disparities in risk among some socioeconomic groups continue to worsen. The United States is one of the only developed countries without a federal plan to mitigate drowning risks to childrens’ lives.