Lake Sebago Getting a $78 Million Rebuild

When Lake Sebago opened in 1952, it was hailed as a “miniature Jones Beach” at the southwest tip of Harriman State Park.

The New York Times’ coverage of the opening described “a major recreation center so countrified that deer from the surrounding Ramapo hills nibble at the grassy malls surrounding the softball fields.”

The $900,000 project to create the 1,600-foot crescent-shaped beach entailed trucking in 4,000 yards of fine white sand.

Tens of thousands of visitors flocked to Sebago each summer, but it’s been closed since 2011 when Hurricane Irene damaged the beach, buildings and roads.

The entry road has been closed, although hikers still access the site and boats can be rented at the Sebago Cabin Camp.

The once-popular swimming, boating and hiking destination is headed for a massive rebuild: a $78.1 million project targeted for completion in 2027.

The project will be paid from funds of the approved Environmental Bond Act in 2022. The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will oversee the project’s design, bids and construction

Sebago’s restoration plan was recently announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul as part of the NY SWIMS proposal to expand access to pools and waterways throughout New York State.

Here’s the timeline for the Sebago rebuild, according to the governor’s office:

• Construction of the roads, bridges and wastewater treatment facility, as well as restoring the stream that flows into the lake, is projected to begin in 2025 and end in 2026.

• Construction of the beach, bathhouse and picnicking area is projected to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027.

Photo: NYS Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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