Ritchie Secures $550,000 in Funding for State Park Upgrades

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she has secured $550,000 in state funding for upgrades to two local New York State Parks – Southwick Beach State Park in Jefferson County and Eel Weir State Park in St. Lawrence County.

At Southwick Beach State Park, $250,000 will allow for the old concession building on site to be gutted down to its bones and turned into a 200 person, open-air pavilion that can host family reunions, weddings overlooking beautiful Lake Ontario and more.

At Eel Weir State Park in Ogdensburg, $300,000 will be used to build a new bathhouse, which has been in dire need of repairs.  The current bathhouse is not only older and visually unpleasant, but it is also fails to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

“With a wealth of recreational activities for residents and tourists, New York State Parks are a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in our region.  In addition, our state parks promote the importance of our children, and adults, getting outside and becoming more physically active,” Senator Ritchie said.

“Having upgraded facilities at our local state parks will only provide an even better experience for guests, but show those who have not yet visited, just what New York State Parks are all about.”

“Our state parks are some of the most special places in our entire state. We love to show off our beautiful natural and cultural resources to the people of New York State and beyond,” Peyton A. Taylor, Regional Director, NYS Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation-Thousand Islands Region said. “Thanks to Senator Ritchie, we are preserving these two state parks for the people of today and tomorrow, carrying our parks into the next generation.”

In 2018, a record 74 million people visited New York State Parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails. In addition to this funding, Senator Ritchie was also recently able to secure $100,000 for the renovation of the Wellesley Island State Park’s Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, which helps people learn about the local environment and encourages outdoor activity.