Moreau Lake, other state parks getting upgrades | News

MOREAU -  When much of Saratoga County is being developed, Moreau Lake State Park is an oasis.

Four thousand acres, just off Exit 17 of the Northway.

It welcomes four-hundred thousand people every year to camp, swim and recreate.

And by all accounts it was beginning to show its age.

But the park has received an infusion of taxpayer money through the Governor's New York Works program.

"It couldn't have come at a better time and we're hugely thankfully," said Rose Harvey, NYS Parks Commissioner.

One-point-two-seven-five million dollars in all. For things like an expanded nature center where school children can learn about the wildlife found in the park.

It officially opened Monday afternoon.

"It's a really important platform for the living laboratory we have at this magnificent state park, " said Harvey just before cutting the ribbon.

The money will also be put toward resurfacing roads and parking areas and re-habbing restrooms.

"This will be the first of many new improvements throughout NYS Parks and historic sites," the commissioner said.

Similar upgrades are being done at Thacher, Saratoga Spa, Grafton Lakes and Peebles Island.

State parks have come a long way in a short time.

"Just a couple of years ago we were in Albany fighting for parks that were being closed. And I want to thank Governor Cuomo because he understands the needs for parks," said Senator Betty Little, R - Queensbury.