New, High Quality State Park Accommodations Now Available through October
State Parks and Regional Tourism Supported By Finger Lakes Forward and NY Parks 2020 Initiatives
View the Cottages at Sampson Here
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the grand opening of new high quality cottages located at Sampson State Park in Seneca County. Supported by the Finger Lakes Forward and NY Parks 2020 initiatives, the Cottages at Sampson feature 10 new vacation cottages directly on the shores of Seneca Lake.
"Tourism is a key economic driver for the Finger Lakes, and these new facilities will give visitors more opportunities to experience everything this region has to offer," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage New Yorkers and visitors alike to visit Sampson State Park this summer, enjoy the outdoors, and learn all there is to love about upstate as we continue to move the Finger Lakes Forward."
The $2.9 million project features modern rustic one and two bedroom Cottages with a kitchenette, bathroom, covered outdoor deck, and comfortable furnishings and lighting. The cottages rest on a slope overlooking Seneca Lake, adjacent to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, which runs directly through Sampson State Park.
State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey welcomed state and local community leaders Friday, July 14 to celebrate the grand opening of the Cottages at Sampson, and State Parks will host an open house August 1 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. for the community.
Reservations are required and will be taken at the Sampson Park Office or can be made by calling 315-585-6392. Cottages will be available from May - October each year.
"These cottages serve as a true vacation oasis to escape from it all and experience the outdoors and the Finger Lakes region in all their majesty," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Thank you Governor Cuomo for the continued commitment to transform our state parks, open the outdoors to more accessibility and create recreational opportunities that will be celebrated and enjoyed for generations."
Seneca Lake and the entire Finger Lakes region are known for their beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views of both the water and the land," said Senator Pamela Helming. "Sampson State Park is a destination within the region for people to enjoy both the wonderful scenery and extensive military history. I am pleased to learn about the addition of these new cottages at Sampson State Park. The addition of these cottages will provide another venue for residents and visitors alike to experience the Finger Lakes region complete with overnight accommodations. I applaud Governor Cuomo and New York State Parks for allowing this opportunity for Sampson State Park and providing the necessary funding to make it happen."
Assemblyman Palmesano said, "This is an exciting investment for Seneca County and our entire Finger Lakes Region. I want to thank Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Harvey for their continued commitment to revitalizing our state parks. We're tapping into the possibilities of living in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and we're making it even more attractive and convenient to visit. These affordable, lakefront cottages will be an important asset for the growing tourism industry that is fueling the Finger Lakes economy."
"The cottages at Sampson State Park are a tremendous asset for the Finger Lakes Region and its tourism industry," said Jeff Shipley, President of the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce. "From their rustic charm to the scenic vistas, these waterfront accommodations offer a unique and convenient way to enjoy everything that our area has to offer. We appreciate the significant investment made in our community and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to the Finger Lakes Gateway this season."
The $2.9 million project was funded by Governor Cuomo's Finger Lakes Forward and NY Parks 2020 initiatives. NY Parks 2020 is a multi-year commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020. The 2017-18 state budget includes $120 million toward this initiative.
Encompassing just over 2000 acres on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, Sampson State Park features camping and boating as the primary recreational activities. The park has a total of 309 campsites with 245 electric and 64 non-electric sites. The marina has just over 100 boat slips and a large multiple launch site. Activities include tennis, horseshoes, basketball and volleyball, a sandy swimming beach, playgrounds, and a scenic lake trail.
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today's announcement complements "Finger Lakes Forward," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $3.4 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.
Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region's plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.
