Highlights
- NYPA Breaks Ground on Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center Renovation Project
- Renovated Kiddie Pool and Boat Launch Open at Mine Kill State Park
- See Event Photos Here
Officials from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today (July 14) celebrated a variety of enhanced amenities in the Schoharie Valley that will enrich visitors' experiences and expand public access to recreation opportunities. Work is now underway on a major restoration and enhancement project at the Power Authority's visitor center for the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project, and upgrades at nearby Mine Kill State Park are complete.
Improvements at Mine Kill State Park include a fully renovated kiddie pool with new water features, expanded shade structures, refreshed decking, and updated filtration and recirculation systems. The $2.5 million NYPA-funded project enhances accessibility and comfort for families with amenities including a zero-entry design, new benches, fencing, and a recently installed lift at the park's main Olympic-size pool. Additionally, the park's boat launch which provides access to the lower reservoir has been fully rehabilitated with designated eagle-watching areas and a new kayak storage building.
Planned improvements to the visitors center include updates to exhibit and theater spaces, the expansion of guest amenities, infrastructure refurbishments, improvements to building systems, and the installation of energy-efficient lighting, among others. Additionally, the Power Authority will add a new nuclear energy education exhibit to introduce visitors to advanced nuclear technologies and associated career pathways. The new nuclear energy education exhibit that will be installed in the visitors center is part of the NextGen Nuclear Initiative, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul as part of her 2026 State of the State agenda.
The visitors center, housed in an 1881 dairy barn located within the historic Lansing Manor complex, first opened in 1974 and was last renovated in 1993. Nearly 50,000 guests visit the site annually, attending one of the more than 100 educational tours, seasonal events, functions, and community activities held on the grounds each year.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said,"The modernization of the Blenheim-Gilboa visitors center, along with the expanded amenities at Mine Kill State Park, reflect NYPA's ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor in its host communities. Together, these upgrades will strengthen treasured public spaces, broaden access to outdoor recreation, and help ensure that families across the Schoharie Valley can enjoy free, family-friendly activities for years to come."
The Mine Kill pool renovation builds on Governor Hochul's commitment to expanding green spaces across New York State to provide children and families opportunities to be outside, unplug and play, and spend time with loved ones. The FY 2026-27 Enacted Budget includes $340 million for OPRHP to invest in enhancing and improving state parks and historic sites. That funding will aid the ongoing transformation of New York's flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects throughout the park system. The budget also includes $20 million for NY SWIMS, the Governor's initiative to expand access to safe swimming and invest in State parks and pools.
Mine Kill State Park is a consistent leader in OPRHP's Learn-To-Swim program, welcoming approximately 350 participants each year for free swim instruction with the goal of promoting water safety throughout New York state. In addition to the kiddie pool and Olympic-size pool, the swimming complex at Mine Kill also features a dive tank. The complex is open daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. through Sept. 5.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, "The new kiddie pool at Mine Kill State Park ensures Schoharie Valley families can escape the summer heat and relax in a safe and fun environment. With swimming and year-round park entry free at Mine Kill, the park has long been an affordable recreational and wellness destination. Thanks to Governor Hochul, this renovation expands the park's excellent pool offerings and adds new outdoor amenities and experiences for young park goers."
The improvements announced today fulfill commitments made under the 2019 relicensing agreement for the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project, under which NYPA is committed to help maintain Mine Kill State Park. That agreement is tied to several other recently implemented enhancements across the region, including upgraded access to the project's upper reservoir, improvements to fishing amenities and habitats, and construction of a new footbridge along the Long Path hiking trail.
The NextGen Nuclear Initiative is designed to expand public education on the role of nuclear energy in New York's future and highlight the jobs, investments, and long-term opportunities tied to advanced nuclear generation. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is building a pathway to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear power on top of the at least 1 gigawatt in new nuclear that she called upon the New York Power Authority in 2025 to develop and construct. NYPA will implement similar exhibits in all its visitor centers as part of New York State.
New York Power Authority Trustee Laurie Wheelock said,"For generations, the Blenheim-Gilboa visitors center has served as a gateway for communities to connect with the area's rich history and landscape, and today's groundbreaking marks an important step in preserving that legacy. Combined with the expanded amenities at Mine Kill State Park, the projects will help ensure these public spaces remain vibrant and welcoming. Whether it's families enjoying the renovated pool complex, paddlers and bird-watchers accessing the improved boat launch, or students engaging with expanded educational programming, these NYPA investments will benefit residents and visitors across the Schoharie Valley."
About NYPA
The New York Power Authority is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Substack.
About OPRHP
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches andmore, and welcomes over 86 million visits annually. Formore information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app orcall 518.474.0456.Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X,LinkedIn, the
