COLTON – Higley Flow State Park is among parks slated for playground renovations.

The park improvements at Higley and two other state parks in the North Country will use $435,000 from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s New York Works initiative.

Higley Flow, on the Raquette River at Colton and South Colton, will benefit from modernization of the playground near the park’s swimming area with new equipment, including a multi-platform climbing and sliding structure, swing set, seesaws and a rock climbing wall.

The facilities will be accessible to people with disabilities and have distinct areas for younger and older age groups. Each of the playgrounds in the program will have unique themes reflecting characteristics of the park. Playground improvements will be coupled with site improvements, including shade trees or canopies, seating, water fountains and trail and walkway connections to the rest of the park.

Construction is expected to take place in the off-season, with playgrounds ready for use by next spring.

"These projects come at a great time when Northern New York families are taking staycations while also encouraging local tourism,” said Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush.

State Sen. Joseph Griffo said, "As a former city mayor, I know firsthand that playgrounds are a priority quality-of-life concern. Playgrounds must be maintained for safety, be secure for families and when possible, be modernized for changing tastes. While the State Parks system brings in revenue through continued patronage, today's announced funds are a reasonable investment that helps sustain a return, not of money, but of something more significant - park visitors.”