STILLWATER, NY (NEWS10) – Saratoga National Historic Park received $ 6.6 million in funding for upgrades to the Battlefield Tour route. The upgrades include increased accessibility and visibility to parking lots, trailheads, walkways, seating, exhibits and viewing areas along the 10 mile course.

“This project is a tremendous opportunity to invest in our visitors and enhance their enjoyment and understanding of the Saratoga battlefield and the events that took place there. It is a big step in preparing the park for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and in interpreting the essential role that the battles of Saratoga played in turning the tide of the Revolution and changing the world, ”said the Saratoga NHP Superintendent Leslie Morlock.

The current Tour Road is over 50 years old. The park said the renovation would expand physical access and security improvements and eliminate $ 4 million of the park’s maintenance backlog. Funding was provided by the Great American Outdoors Act.

Parking lots and aisles will be redeveloped at the tour’s ten stops for accessibility, including seating with attendant seating, new and improved exhibits, and audio description provided on a public use app. Modern outdoor exhibitions will replace the existing information channels.

Saratoga National Historic Park preserves, protects and interprets sites associated with the battles, siege and surrender of British forces at Saratoga. The park includes the Saratoga Battlefield, General Philip Schuyler’s Home, Victory Woods, the Saratoga Monument, and the site of Sword Surrender.

Construction is expected to start in 2022. You can check the park’s website for information on temps road closures during this period.