Field Operations Unveils Lake Sophia, First New NY State Park Swimming Facility in Two Decades
In July, Lake Sophia, a newly established outdoor swimming venue at Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster, New York, was inaugurated, representing the first addition of a swimming facility in almost twenty years. Developed by Field Operations, this project is part of Governor Kathy Hochul's NY SWIMS initiative. The site boasts a 12,000-square-foot swim crib and offers 16,000 square feet of natural spring lake for open water swimming. The swim crib, which features an ADA-accessible ramp, allows for natural water circulation and reaches a maximum depth of 4 feet. The expansive 500-acre park includes trails, picnic spots, and a bathhouse pavilion. The $75.6 million master plan aims to enhance the area with more trails and kayak access, projected for completion by 2027. Lake Sophia is free to access, with an $8 parking fee, and remains open until Labor Day.
Key facts
- Lake Sophia opened in July at Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster, New York.
- It is the first new swimming facility at a New York State Park in nearly two decades.
- Designed by Field Operations, a landscape architecture and urban design firm.
- Features a 12,000-square-foot swim crib and 16,000 square feet of open water swimming.
- Part of Governor Kathy Hochul's NY SWIMS initiative.
- The swim crib has a maximum depth of 4 feet and an ADA-accessible ramp.
- MASS Design Group designed the bathhouse pavilion.
- The broader $75.6 million plan includes trails, kayak access, and community spaces, with completion by 2027.
Entities
Artists
- Karen Tamir
Institutions
- Field Operations
- MASS Design Group
- NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
- Sojourner Truth State Park
Locations
- Ulster
- New York
- Hudson River