Saratoga Associates worked with the NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation to prepare designs to revitalize the beach area at Chenango Valley State Park. Nestled within Chenango Forks, New York, Chenango Valley State Park still holds wonder from the ice age. The parks is home to two Kettle Lakes, Lily and Chenango, that were created when the last glacier of the area melted away but left behind huge patches of buried ice which melted to form the lakes and bog.

Saratoga worked closely with the regional park administration to identify challenges related to the aging infrastructure and contemporary user trends. As lead consultant, Saratoga Associates was responsible for complete professional design services through construction administration for architectural and site improvements. The design for the reconstructed beach area provided new swimming and water play amenities that meet current recreational expectations of park patrons. The project focused on an expanded beach area that improved visual connectivity and integrated pedestrian paths along the lake, while adding a brand new splash pad area, boat rental and lifeguard station, docks, and other recreational areas. Project costs were evaluated and a phased plan for logical implementation was developed. The Saratoga Associates team ensured the design maximized parkgoer enjoyment while being sensitive to the natural setting, incorporated environmentally sustainable improvements, and improved swim area circulation to prevent degradation of water quality.

This past summer, the State Park celebrated its updated features just in time to savor what was left of the warm weather here in New York. The beach was filled with many happy patrons and the new waterslide and splash pad saw lots of children’s smiles.