Crossing all our fingers and toes, on our way south from Ontario, we pulled our packed van up to the Stony Brook State Park entrance on a warm summer Sunday. Hopefully, our second attempt to leap into the park’s river-fed Depression-era swimming pool would end in a splash. 

Two weeks beforehand, our first attempt (while driving from Virginia to Ontario) had been a Wally World experience, when we’d parked beside construction vehicles at a small freshly-painted building.

“Sorry, pool’s closed,” the ranger inside had said, then soothed my sad heart by explaining that it would open the following week. The park’s renovations and restorations to the bathhouse and other park buildings were almost finished, and the pool would soon be filled.

Eager for a respite after a full day on the road, we made lemonade out of lemons by hitting the trails. Our hike began at the pool basin, a long rectangle with a concrete floor cut into the river bed. Water poured out of the open dam at the soon-to-be deep end in a man-made, controllable waterfall to the rocks below. Layered flat rocks formed the sides of the pool, which stretched more than 50 meters from end to end, and about 15 meters across. Cliffs rose along the length and beyond, adorned with wildflowers and moss, leading us to two natural waterfalls before the call of the road demanded our return. Stone bridges traversed the river, connecting trails and allowing lovely views of river and foliage. It was an A+ day despite our initial disappointment.

This time, again I blurted out the question that my brain had been screaming: “Can we swim?” 

The ranger paused, checked a document, then smiled. “You’re just about the last ones in! We’re almost at capacity!” 

Having parked in one of the only open spots, we dashed to the bathhouse to change. It’s beautiful, by the way, clean and spacious with private stalls. 

As we exited with suits on and towels in hand, first we heard it: happy chatter interspersed with shouts and splashes. And then we saw it, the sparkling green pool amidst joyful mayhem. A celebration of summer. 

A teen leaped off the rock ledge into the deep end, his friends whooping and yelling “Cannonball!” (He won that Biggest Splash contest, despite their considerable efforts to best him.) Daughter taught another young guy to dive, then practiced synchro elements.

Visitors of all ages and races sat on the edge, dangling legs in the water, while others cooled off on the shallow rock benches built into the sides. In the two shallower sections upstream, smaller kids and families swam and played pool games. Several told me that the pool and trails here at Stony Brook are a family tradition, that they grew up swimming, hiking and picnicking here, and that they now bring younger generations to do the same. Others, like us, were first-time visitors. 

Then, my feet felt the warmth of the poolside trail. I was still dry! What am I doing? The desperate need to experience that river pool myself overtook my picture-taking and chatting. I shoved my phone into my bag and lined up behind the teenagers at what appeared to be THE jumping spot toward the far end of the deep end. 

I threw myself off the somewhat slippery ledge and plunged into the 69F water. The instant chill shot through my body, a welcome relief from the summer sun. Because I can’t stop myself from the need for speed, I swam sprints across the width of the deep end, then stretched into a glorious back float right in the center. Rather than working out, I couldn’t help but splash about!

Because why not? After all, I was honoring this pool’s history.

Stony Brook Pool was built for family fun and relaxation. According to Kirk House, Director of the Steuben County Historical Society, the area was a popular picnic ground before the State of New York acquired the property and renamed it Stony Brook State Park in 1928. In 1935, the C.C.C. built barracks in the new state park for W.P.A. workers – 200 World War I veterans – who then constructed improvements, including the swimming pool. 

Photo credits to Holly C. Watson, Livingston County Historian’s Office, the Douglas Morgan Collection. Photos used with permission.

Records of which “alphabet agency” built what structure are scarce, unfortunately. It is clear, however, that the combined results of the C.C.C. and W.P.A. laborers have provided fun and fitness in the great outdoors for almost a century since the park’s inception. From the unique river pool to the well-kept trails, rock bridges, and newly-restored bathhouse, Stony Brook State Park has earned a “two fins up, way up” rating from my outdoorsy family!

Chances of a third visit: One hundred percent! 

Grab your hiking boots and swimsuits and go experience Stony Brook State Park yourself!  

POOL STATS:
Built: 1930s, after 1935 (Exact date unclear)
Length: A little over 50 meters, as per Google Earth. Divided into three sections by depth.
Width: ~15 meters
Depth: 2 feet to 8 feet
Temperature: Depends on the river. It was 69F (20.6C) on July 6, 2025.
Facilities: Bathhouse with toilets, change rooms, showers.

Location:
Stony Brook State Park
10820 Route 36 South
Dansville, NY 14437
(585) 335-8111
https://parks.ny.gov/parks/118/details.aspx

References:
The New Deal as an Agent for Change: The Works Progress Administration at Stony Brook State Park. Pamphlet. Canesteo Valley Historical Society.
https://blogs.gatehousemedia.com/windowonwest/tag/stony-brook-state-park/
https://livingnewdeal.org/sites/stony-brook-state-park-dansville-ny/
https://nyfalls.com/waterfalls/stony-brook/
https://www.eveningtribune.com/story/news/local/2024/07/23/swimming-pool-upgrades-at-stony-brook-state-park-in-dansville/74500389007/