Ray Brook, New York facts for kids
Ray Brook is a small community, called a hamlet, in New York State, United States. It is located between two well-known places, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Ray Brook is part of the Town of North Elba in Essex County. This hamlet is special because it's home to several important state and federal offices.
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Discovering Ray Brook
Ray Brook is a quiet place, but it plays a big role in managing parts of New York State. It's known for being the location of several key government agencies. These agencies help protect the environment and keep people safe.
A Look at Ray Brook's History
Ray Brook has an interesting past. In 1904, it became the site of New York's first state-run hospital for people with tuberculosis. This was a serious illness at the time, and the hospital helped many people get better.
Years later, Ray Brook played a part in a major international event. During the 1980 Winter Olympics, which were held nearby in Lake Placid, Ray Brook was used for housing the Olympic staff. It also served as the Olympic Village, where athletes stayed.
After the Olympic Games, the buildings were repurposed. Part of the area became a new state prison, the Adirondack Correctional Facility. Also, about 200 acres (0.81 km2) of land were given to the federal government to build a new federal prison, the Federal Correctional Institution, Ray Brook. These facilities are for adults who have committed crimes.
Important Offices in Ray Brook
Ray Brook is home to several important government offices that serve the region.
Adirondack Park Agency
The Adirondack Park Agency has its main office in Ray Brook. This agency is very important for protecting the huge Adirondack Park. It helps manage how land is used within the park to keep its natural beauty and wildlife safe for everyone.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) also has its Region 5 headquarters in Ray Brook. The DEC works to protect New York's natural resources. This includes keeping our air and water clean, managing forests, and protecting wildlife. They even run a campground called Meadowbrook Campground right across the road from their offices.
New York State Police Troop B
The headquarters for the New York State Police Troop B was built in Ray Brook in 1979. This police troop is responsible for keeping people safe across several counties. These counties include Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, and St. Lawrence counties.
