New York SWIMS about to make a big splash for the Capital Region

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The inaugural New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (SWIMS) initiative will soon be making a big splash in several Capital Region cities. The governor’s office announced nearly $150 million in grants to fund swimming projects in underserved communities across New York State.

In Lansingburgh, the Knickerbacker Park is getting a new pool. “We come to play all the time, don't we?” asked mom Brittany Sweet.

“Do you guys come here a lot?” asked NEWS10 Reporter James De La Fuente.

“Yeah,” exclaimed Brittany’s daughter.

Troy Mayor, Carmella Mantello, gave NEWS10 Reporter James De La Fuente a quick tour. “The pool was closed here at the Backer Park complex, and I'll take you for a walk. It was demo’ d just last year.” After a quick walk up the hill, she explained the next steps. “The pool's been missing and so many folks have been begging for a pool to come back, since 2017.” She says, “Their begs have been answered.”

The mayor is wasting no time getting to work. “We hope to literally have the pool open next year. So, cannonball! Everybody's going to come down to Lansingburgh and open the pool with us,” stated Mantello.

Kids and parents here love the news. “I use to sleigh ride up there on the hill, you know? So yeah, I'm glad to see that they're bringing it back. Especially the pool because you know, that's been unfortunate for years because there's no pool for the kids around this neighborhood,” said Mother, Stacie Grimes.

“It's really great to have some place where she can come and play and just be happy and engaged with other kids,” stated Sweet.

Money is going to Schenectady County, too, with the Aquatic Center project. Gary Hughes, Chair of the Legislature, says this is exactly what the county needed. “This Aquatic Center on the campus of SUNY Schenectady will promote tourism; support local business and it'll equip our children and our young people with an essential life skill.” He hopes to have the center open by 2027.

Lawmakers say the pools offer another level of protection to underserved communities. “Offering this type of investment, this type of funding for communities to be able to take advantage of, for the specific purpose to make swimming facilities available to the public to our community in ways that hasn't been possible,” said Assemblyman Angelo SantaBarbara.  

“This program is an unbridled success. And you know what happens with success it begets more success. I wouldn't be surprised to see that because a lot of municipalities were funded but not all,” said Assemblyman John McDonald.

The Schenectady County facility will have multiple pools, meeting rooms and space for other recreational activities. Officials hope to start construction in 2025. They still need around $10 million to cover the cost.

Other local communities also received state funding.

Albany received $10 million for Lincoln Park Pool. Troy was awarded $5.8 million to build a new pool at Knickerbacker Park. The city of Hudson is betting $792,649 to build a new public pool along the Hudson Riverfront, and Albany County received $1.8 million to renovate the Cohoes Aquatic Center.