And just a few months later, the results are already visible.
New Leadership and Energy
The first step was strengthening Pine Lake’s leadership team. Under Sanford’s guidance, Pine Lake welcomed Heather Babbitt, operations coordinator, and Jared Kapsiak, caretaker, in new staff positions focused on student engagement, programming, and outdoor recreation. Carla Kinser, executive assistant to the vice president for academic affairs, continues to support operations and connect both the campus and broader community with Pine Lake’s resources. In addition, Heidi Tanner, director of wellness and health promotion, and Pine Lake education coordinator, and Kathryn Smith, lecturer in theatre arts, and Pine Lake education coordinator assistant, have played a crucial role in coordinating educational and outreach efforts, ensuring that programming serves not only Hartwick students but also local schools, organizations and community members. Together, this expanded team is bringing renewed energy and a collaborative spirit to Pine Lake’s mission.
Summer of Renewal
With leadership in place, the focus turned to facilities and grounds. Over the summer, Pine Lake made significant progress across campus. Robertson Lodge was refreshed with remodeled laundry facilities, upgraded lighting and electrical systems, wall repairs, painting, floor refinishing and the addition of a new water bottle filling station. The vaudevillian received upgraded electrical service, a water bottle filling station, refinished main floors, a newly painted lobby with updated lighting, refreshed bathrooms and improvements to the composting system. The Strawbale House reopened with cob oven demonstrations and sustainability education, while the entry kiosk was repaired and reorganized to improve traffic flow and signage. The outdoor stage was cleaned, re-stained, and prepared for student and community performances.
Additional upgrades included new structures for storage, recreational gear and waste management, along with expanded Wi-Fi and heating and cooling improvements to enhance indoor comfort. Long-overdue maintenance work across the property is helping ensure Pine Lake is ready for engaging programs for both Hartwick students and the wider community.
Trails, Tech and Outdoor Recreation
The upgrades outdoors have been just as significant. The trail system is being updated with kiosks for navigation and interpretation and student volunteers are helping maintain the paths. Work is underway with disc golf experts to improve the course and conversations are happening with local partners about revitalizing the ropes course.
Reengaging students has been a priority and this fall saw the relaunch of the Pine Lake Club, giving students new opportunities to connect through outdoor activities, leadership and service projects.
Supporting all of this are new tools and equipment. A utility vehicle is helping staff with mobility, rental turnover, and emergency access. New kayaks, safer boat storage and upgraded gear are enhancing lake activities.
Sustainability at the Center
Sustainability has always been part of Pine Lake’s story. Now it is back at the forefront. Pine Lake has become a “Leave No Trace” community partner, installed several water bottle filling stations and launched a community composting pilot that is running smoothly. The community garden is being revitalized and the pollinator garden is also expanding.
Membership, Rentals and Giving on the Rise
Momentum is showing up in the numbers. Friends of Pine Lake memberships have increased by 50 percent. Rentals are up 500 percent, with cabins, lodge rooms and community spaces all in demand. Contributions are also on the rise, strengthening Pine Lake’s ability to grow.
Anyone can get involved. Becoming a Friend of Pine Lake provides year-round recreational access and discounts on rentals. Cabins and community spaces can be reserved for day or overnight use. Gifts of all sizes help sustain programs and facilities.
A refreshed branding effort is also helping Pine Lake step into this new era. By taking its familiar graphic treatment and giving it a modern twist, Hartwick has created a look that reflects both Pine Lake’s heritage and its evolution. The updated design underscores that Pine Lake is not only being restored but also reimagined for the future.
Pine Lake in Action
The renewed interest in Pine Lake is already showing up in how the community is using the space. During Wick Weekend, Pine Lake hosted activities such as kayaking, rock painting, a scavenger hunt and the much-anticipated return of the Cardboard Boat Race, which became an instant highlight of the weekend.
Soon after, a Labor Day picnic drew the campus community together again for food, fun and lakeside recreation. These gatherings showcased Pine Lake as more than a campus resource. It is a place where people come together to build community and enjoy the balance of nature and connection.
That spirit of celebration will continue during True Blue Weekend with the Pine Lake Festival on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The festival will feature music curated by WRHO, boating and hiking, a cob oven demonstration, rock painting, a pollinator garden program and facility tours.
Looking Ahead
Building on this progress, Pine Lake is looking toward the future. Upgrades to Robertson Lodge, the vaudevillian and entry areas will continue through the year. Planning is underway for the reopening of the beach and swimming area in 2026. Boats are being maintained and winterized for year-round use. A new series of workshops and educational programs is being developed, with a focus on wellness, K–12 partnerships, artist residencies and outdoor safety courses. Monthly student programs are also being planned in collaboration with the Pine Lake Club, the Baking Innovation Lab and other campus partners.
A Place Where Balance Comes Naturally
For students, alumni, and the Oneonta community, Pine Lake remains a place where balance comes naturally. It is a campus retreat, a classroom without walls and a destination for recreation and reflection.
“As we move forward, our focus is on ensuring Pine Lake remains a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable resource,” said Sanford. “Seeing students actively participate in events and programs, staff gathering for meetings and celebrations, and faculty leading classes or research reminds us why this place matters. At the same time, local partners and community members are returning, sharing stories, ideas and hosting workshops that bring renewed energy and inspiration. The refreshed branding reflects this vision, honoring Pine Lake’s history while signaling a new era of engagement, creativity, and collaboration for both Hartwick and the wider community.”
Stay Connected with Pine Lake
Beginning this semester, Hawks in Flight will feature regular updates on what is happening at Pine Lake. Watch for news about upcoming events, student activities, new initiatives and facility updates.
Pine Lake also offers many ways to be part of its community. Friends of Pine Lake memberships provide year-round recreational access and day visitors can explore the trails, paddle on the lake or unwind in a setting that blends natural beauty with tranquility. More here.
For day use, longer stays or group gatherings, cabins, lodge rooms and community spaces are available for overnight or event rentals. More here.
To find out more about Pine Lake, visit hartwick.edu/pinelake.
