After years of planning and construction, the long-awaited swimming area at Sojourner Truth State Park in Kingston will officially open to the public on Friday, July 17, marking the debut of the first new New York State Parks swimming facility in more than two decades.
The new Lake Sophia swimming area opens at 10am on Friday and will be open daily from 10am to 6pm through Labor Day weekend.
Located on the park’s western side, the facility transforms the park’s spring-fed quarry lake into a public swimming destination. A 12,000-square-foot swim crib includes an in-water access ramp and ADA-compliant gangway, creating an accessible entry point for swimmers of all abilities and those learning to swim. More experienced swimmers can take advantage of a separate, guarded 16,000-square-foot deep-water swimming area in the quarry’s striking turquoise waters.
The opening fulfills one of the centerpiece promises of Sojourner Truth State Park, which opened in phases after New York State acquired the former industrial property along the Hudson River. The swimming area has been the park’s most anticipated amenity since plans were unveiled, expanding public access to waterfront recreation in the city.
Lake Sophia joins a growing list of recreational features at the park, including trails, picnic areas, restored natural habitats, and dramatic views of the Hudson River and the park’s historic quarry landscape.
The project is part of New York State’s broader investment in expanding public swimming opportunities and climate-resilient recreation, particularly as hotter summers increase demand for safe places to cool off.
Sojourner Truth State Park is located at 100 Sojourner Truth Way in Kingston. Admission to the swimming area follows standard New York State Parks policies, and lifeguards will be on duty during operating hours.
Local author tells Sojourner’s story. FREE & Fully Illustrated
https://www.rondoutcomics.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RONDOUT-COMICS-TRUTH.pdf
My brother, Glenn, and I went today (Sunday), to our new swimming hole, Sojourner Truth Park. We walked around for a bit admiring the whole place, the clear water, the choices of which part of the lake to swim/play/float in. The sun was bright, the parking lot packed. I look forward to going back on a week day…a nice perk of being retired.
What is the cost to swim in this pool? Is the water warm?