$9 Million Upgrade Announced for Selkirk Shores State Park Facilities

Source: Shore News Network

OSWEGO COUNTY, NY - Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled plans for a comprehensive $9 million upgrade to Selkirk Shores State Park's campgrounds and facilities, set to commence in September 2024. This project is part of New York's continuous investment in its State Park system, coinciding with its centennial celebration.

Selkirk Shores State Park, renowned for its diverse outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking trails, is poised for significant enhancements. Governor Hochul emphasized that this investment will not only attract new visitors, thereby benefiting the local economy, but also enrich the park experience for its regular patrons, cementing its status as a cherished summertime destination.

Key improvements include the replacement of the park office and the redesign of the entrance and exit pattern to streamline traffic flow and simplify the check-in and checkout processes. The renovation plan also features the construction of new, more accessible camping restrooms equipped with accessible showers, baby changing stations, and dishwashing stations. These upgrades aim to make the facilities more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

The campground will see substantial enhancements, such as the addition of crushed stone or pavement at each of the 130 campsites, improved stormwater drainage, more water hydrants, and new security features. The park's cabins will be made more accessible and will receive updates to their electrical systems, masonry, and roofs.

Erik Kulleseid, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, expressed pride in the initiative to modernize the park and reaffirmed the commitment to sustainable operation and enhancing visitor services. The renovations are expected to be completed by 2026, with the park remaining open for day use during the upgrades.

Assemblymember Will Barclay lauded the state's dedication to enhancing Selkirk Shores as a premier destination for outdoor recreation. He anticipates that the project will have a long-lasting positive impact on the Oswego County community.

To minimize disruption to visitors, the campgrounds and cabins will close after Labor Day 2024 and will not reopen until the 2026 camping season. Campers are encouraged to explore other nearby state parks during this period. Additional upgrades include a new park sign, playground, and the restoration of structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. The park's day-use restroom buildings and the large lakeside pavilion will also undergo renovations to improve accessibility and preserve their historical significance.