Hamlin Beach State Park

Hamlin Beach State Park is a 1,287-acre (5.21 km²) state park located on the shore of Lake Ontario in the Town of Hamlin in Monroe County, New York, USA. The Lake Ontario State Parkway passes through the park.

History

Hamlin Beach first became a park in 1929, after Monroe County purchased a total of 597 acres (2.42 km²) for $169,373. The park, initially known as Northwest Beach Park, consisted of the former Charles Wolf property and surrounding farmland. The park's name was changed to Hamlin Beach Park in 1930.

While under county ownership, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp was constructed at the park, and workers lodged at the camp labored to improve the park's facilities between 1935 and 1941. During World War II, the site was used as a Prisoner of War camp, housing German POWs between 1944 and 1946. The camp served as a labor hub, providing workers to local farms and food processing plants in the Hamlin area. The camp was dismantled when the war was over.

The site was transferred to New York State's ownership in 1938, and was renamed Hamlin Beach State Park. After World War II, the Lake Ontario State Parkway was extended through the park, increasing accessibility. The parking lot was expanded to handle the increase in visitors, and the campgrounds were built.