Stormwater Management Work, More Walking Paths Are Part Of Roosevelt Drive Project

A $4.2 million redevelopment of Roosevelt Drive within Saratoga Spa State Park that improves transportation safety within the park is complete, state officials announced.

The project adds pedestrian and bicycling pathways adjacent to the park’s busiest stretch of roadway, which connects the Avenue of the Pines with the golf course, pools, picnic areas, and the Roosevelt Baths and Spa.

“We continue to make significant investments that enhance Saratoga Springs’ status as a world-class recreational, tourism, and historical destination,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “These improvements make Saratoga Spa State Park safer and more enjoyable for pedestrians and cyclists alike and will help welcome visitors for the Park’s greenspace, history, and shows for years to come.”

Officials said the roadway was moved away from the park’s classical arcades, making space for a large circular patio. It provides a new gathering place to families and friends to begin their exploration of what the park has to offer.

As part of the Park of the Arts initiative, the corridor improvements mark another major milestone in the restoration of the National Historic Landmark campus. The project also expands parking for the Spa Little Theater plus the recreational and cultural attractions of the Roosevelt Campus and provides new EV charging stations.

The new Welcome Terrace, referred to as The Arcade, sits at the entrance of the Saratoga Spa State Park’s neo-classical Roosevelt Campus. It will feature a circle of benches to create the perfect spot for park visitors to socialize, relax, and take in their surroundings, state officials said. For a limited time, people can adopt and dedicate one of these benches.

New stormwater management features will help protect water quality, stabilize water temperature, and improve brook trout habitat in Geyser Creek. These include installing underground stormwater chambers and porous asphalt at the expanded parking lot to fi lter rainwater and allow it to slowly seep back into the soil, reducing stormwater runoff and sedimentation flowing into Geyser Creek.

“Just nine months ago we announced this project to truly make Saratoga Spa State Park the Park of the Arts,” said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. “Backed by federal support, this Roosevelt Drive project delivers improved wayfi nding, pedestrian safety, and improved stormwater management. We continue to adapt to climate change and protect and improve this gem in our state park system for the next 100 years.”

The federal funds secured boosts the natural beauty and recreational opportunities, officials said. The investment will make the park more accessible, walkable, bikeable, and safer for visitors and families to enjoy.

“Saratoga Spa State Park is one of the true gems of the Capital Region, and with the completion of this game-changing redevelopment