New Windsor gets funds for splash pad

Sen. James Skoufis announced a $2 million allocation for recreation projects in New Windsor, Goshen, and Warwick during a press conference Tuesday at Myron Urbanski Memorial Park. The funds, distributed among the towns, will help build and expand amenities to benefit their communities.

Warwick will receive $600,000, Goshen $720,000, and New Windsor $750,000 for various projects expected to be completed in the next several years. Skoufis was joined by town supervisors Joseph Betro (Goshen), Stephen Bedetti (New Windsor), and Jesse Dwyer (Warwick), along with members of their town boards.

Goshen plans to build a new aquatic center at Myron Urbanski Memorial Park by summer 2026. “This has been a 20-year dream for the Town of Goshen,” said Supervisor Betro. “We finally are going to succeed in building a beautiful aquatic center for the town.”

New Windsor will use its funds to explore options for a splash pad, with Ruscitti Park and Kristi Babcock Memorial Park under consideration. Supervisor Bedetti expressed gratitude for Skoufis’ continued support. “Every time I’ve called Senator Skoufis for money, every single time he came through,” Bedetti said.

Warwick plans to enhance its current facilities with the construction of a new children’s pool. “It’s abundantly clear that the town supervisors in Orange County care very much about our youth,” said Supervisor Dwyer. “We also have a state senator who shares that sentiment and delivers the funds to get the job done.”

Also attending was Dr. Erika Hackman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs & Student Services at SUNY Orange, who announced new swimming classes and safety training as part of the state’s Making SUNY Pools Community Anchors Initiative.

Skoufis briefly mentioned the New York SWIM program, a statewide initiative to improve swimming opportunities, though his district has yet to receive funds from the program. Looking ahead to the 2025 state budget, Skoufis said he hopes the governor will propose to extend the program.

Following the event, Bedetti noted that New Windsor’s plans for a splash pad are still in the early stages, with surveys needed to finalize the project layout. Councilwoman Eve Lincoln, a key advocate for water amenities, emphasized the importance of inclusivity with the addition of ADA-compliant water wheelchairs.

“Our town board is really committed to growing and expanding the recreation department,” Lincoln said. “It’s a top priority.”