Swim at a State Park pool free this summer

It’s peak summer and we know you’re looking for an escape. Luckily, New York State is home to more than 7,600 lakes, 2,600+ miles of ocean shoreline, and countless swimming pools.

Swimming in New York state is becoming more accessible thanks to the NY SWIMS initiative, which allocates up to $90 million in funding for municipal swimming facilities in underserved communities.

At this year’s Park Advocacy Day, PTNY brought together dozens of advocates to push for increased funding to the state parks system, including the NY SWIMS Initiative. The application process for municipalities to access funding is now open. Apply here.

The state also recently launched the ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ campaign, which guarantees free pool access at state parks this summer.

To find a state pool or beach near you, visit the NYS State Parks Swimming interactive map. From freshwater lakes and salty ocean waters to spray pads and Olympic-size swimming pools–there’s something for everyone.

Check out the following free pools this summer:

• Hudson Valley
  • Bear Mountain State Park Pool – Bear Mountain
  • FDR State Park Pool – Yorktown
  • High Tor State Park Pool – New City
  • Rockland Lake State Park Pool – Valley Cottage
• New York City
  • Roberto Clemente State Park Pool – Bronx
  • Riverbank State Park Pools (Indoor and Outdoor) – Manhattan
• Long Island
  • Jones Beach State Park West Bathhouse Pool – Wantagh
  • Montauk Downs State Park Pool – Montauk
• Capital Region
  • Saratoga Spa State Park Pools (Peerless and Victoria) – Saratoga Springs
• Mohawk Valley
  • Mine Kill State Park Pool – North Blenheim
• Southern Tier
  • Watkins Glen State Park Pool – Watkins Glen
• Finger Lakes
  • Letchworth State Park Pool – Castile
• Western New York
  • Fort Niagara State Park Pool – Youngstown
• North Country
  • Keewaydin State Park Pool – Alexandria Bay