Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $25 million overhaul of Bear Mountain State Park, set to begin after Labor Day 2025 and finish by summer 2027. The project, part of the state’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, aims to modernize infrastructure and expand access to one of New York’s most visited parks.

Key upgrades include a new ADA-accessible playground with 70-foot slides, expanded picnic areas, new public restrooms, and improvements to stormwater management. The plan will double picnic capacity and increase restroom facilities by 20 percent.

Located about 40 miles north of New York City, Bear Mountain drew more than 2.3 million visitors last year—a 25 percent increase over the past decade. While the park will remain open during construction, some areas will have restricted access.

The initiative is part of a broader $200 million state investment in parks, along with additional funding for playgrounds, swimming facilities, and community centers.