One of New York's best parks is getting a $25 million upgrade

"Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week that the 115-year-old landmark is set for a $25 million glow-up that will roll out over the next two years. If you've picnicked by Hessian Lake, skated at the outdoor rink or climbed Perkins Memorial Tower for those jaw-dropping Hudson Highlands views, you're already part of the park's 2.3 million annual visitors. That number has surged by 25% over the last decade and the state says it's time the facilities caught up with the crowds."

"So what's on the makeover list? For starters, a destination playground carved right into the mountain slope, complete with rock scrambles, immersive play zones and slides stretching up to 70 feet. Picnic capacity is doubling too, with expanded lawns around the lake and fresh landscaping to keep things lush. Visitors can also expect new restrooms, a central plaza and long-overdue infrastructure updates (think modern electrical systems and better stormwater management). In other words: less mud, more fun."

"Founded in 1909, Bear Mountain has a resume that would put most national parks to shame: more than 50 miles of hiking trails (including the OG stretch of the Appalachian Trail), lakefront fishing, boating, a pool, a zoo, winter ice skating and even a hand-carved merry-go-round featuring black bears, bobcats and deer. The new upgrades aim to make all of that easier to access-and more Instagram-worthy-for generations to come."

Bear Mountain State Park, a 115-year-old Hudson Valley landmark, will undergo a $25 million renovation over two years to accommodate growing visitation. Annual visitation of 2.3 million has grown 25% in the last decade, prompting expanded facilities. Planned improvements include a mountainside destination playground with rock scrambles and 70-foot slides, doubled picnic capacity with expanded lawns and landscaping, new restrooms, a central plaza, and modern infrastructure upgrades such as electrical and stormwater systems. Construction begins after Labor Day 2025 and should finish by summer 2027, with the park remaining open but limited during peak weekends.

Read at Time Out New York