New York offering free access to swimming pools at state parks this summer

Jul. 2—In promoting the state's "Get Offline, Get Outside" summer campaign for kids, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that New York is waiving swimming pool entry fees at all state parks for the rest of this summer.

Locally, that news impacts Fort Niagara State Park and its swimming facilities. Roughly $2.7 million in upgrades were completed on the state park's pool and bathhouse in 2018. The next closest state parks to offer free entry are at Letchworth and Watkins Glen.

Regular parking fees will still apply at state parks locations that include on-site parking. Hochul has also initiated a pilot program at state park pools to offer free sunscreen.

The "Get Offline, Get Outside" program is meant to promote physical and mental health by helping kids and families put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.

Additionally, Hochul has also launched the $1.5 million Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation Grant program to help with transportation to swimming lessons as part of the NY SWIMS initiative.

"We're making it easier for our young people to put down their phones and computers, enjoy time with friends and family, and stay active all across our state," she said. "Summer is here — get offline and get outside."

The campaign builds off efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families across New York.

Hochul recently signed the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and New York Child Data Protection Act — to protect children from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from online platforms.

As part of her $1 billion investment in mental health statewide, Hochul said she has significantly expanded access to mental health care and resources for young people and their families, including school-based mental health clinics and Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams.