With construction wrapping up, the Lake Sophia Swimming Area is now officially opening its gates for visitors from July 17, 2026 at Sojourner Truth State Park in Kingston. The facility developed around the spring-fed quarry lake in Hudson Valley is the first new swimming site added to the New York State Parks system in more than 20 years.
Operations will commence July 17, 2026 at 10 AM and will operate daily till 6 PM through the Labor Day weekend.
Acres of Beauty in the Sojourner Truth State Park
It has not been long since joined efforts of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) and New York State Parks started the very first State Park in Kingston & Ulster. The entire landscape was conserved, taken in by the State in an attempt to preserve the natural heritage of the area. The site was once home to all that made the New York state. Most of the brick making and cement production was headed in the area
Since then, the park has rarely stopped bustling with activities. Community Events, family gatherings, and promenades are often a common sight in the area. The area also falls along a mile of the Hudson River shoreline, which creates another motley of activties.
For experienced swimmers, a guarded 16000-square-foot deep water zone is developed additionally. Both the pools are designed to ensure the water purity and chemical balance for 480 people at a time. The capacity is strategically planned for swimmers as sunscreen and bug spray residue contain oils, DEET and emollients – which easily reacts with chlorine to cleanse the water.
Lake Sophia – A Recreational State Park Project
After being a hub of heavy industries for quite a long time, the land along Hudson River was acquired by Scenic Hudson in 2019 and then sold to the state in 2022 to transform it into a state park. Last year, the state announced a huge investment of $75.6 million, coming straight from Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act for beautification of the park to attract 50,000 visitors a year or maybe more.
Since then, the property has become a popular recreational project under New York State. The expansion aims for public access to waterfront recreation and a public swimming destination.
Soon after the land acquisition in 2019, Governor Kathy Hochul dedicated the land as Sojourner Truth State Park – the first state park in Kingston, to honor the legendary abolitionist who was born in nearby Esopus. And the quarry lake got its name from Sojourner Truth’s daughter’s name – Lake Sophia.
Lake Sophia Swimming Area’s Grand Opening and Guidelines
The grand opening of Lake Sophia is all-set for July 17, 2026, at 10 AM by the locals, New York state parks officials, and local leaders. Located at 100 Sojourner Truth Way, the Lake will operate from 10 AM to 6 PM daily.
Before the opening, the state park officials established a clear operational framework and safety guidelines to manage the summer visitors. The core areas are:
- The facility will operate exclusively during the peak heat of the summer, beginning from 17 July till Monday of the Labor Day weekend.
- Swimming is completely prohibited after 6 PM and during the Labor Day weekend.
Kingston is now ready to welcome swimmers and visitors to its brand new Lake Sophia swimming area. The gates will be opened from July 17, 2026, at 10 AM. Pack your swimsuits and visit Lake Sophia’s swimming area before it becomes a closed zone at the end of Labor Day.
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