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Two cities in the Capital Region, Schenectady and Watervliet, will benefit from a $67 million fund as part of the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative. This program, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, aims to provide matching grants to enhance swimming facilities, offering New Yorkers safe and modern places to swim.
Schenectady is set to receive over $8 million to construct a new pool complex, while Watervliet will get more than $7 million to replace the existing pool and bathhouse at Town Park. The NY SWIMS initiative, administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, has awarded $200 million to support 57 projects across the state.
Governor Hochul emphasized the program's role in promoting health, safety, and recreation. "NY SWIMS has already shown how transformative safe swimming facilities can be for families and neighborhoods," she said. The initiative is part of the broader "Unplug and Play" campaign, which encourages families to engage in outdoor activities and stay active.
DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez highlighted the importance of these projects, stating, "These investments will create safe environments for swimming and recreation while fostering healthier, more connected communities." The program focuses on modernizing aquatic facilities, including swimming pools, natural swimming areas, and accessibility upgrades, to expand public access to safe swimming.