LOOKING BACK ON 2009: New Parks Provide Exciting Opportunities

Scenic Hudson played a prominent role in opening new public parks throughout the valley this year, inspiring people to explore nature and providing a boost to local economies.

 
View of the new pavilion at Harrier Hill Park. Anthony Coneski
"The crowds flocking to the Walkway--400,000 in the first two months--emphasize the need, especially in these uncertain times, of creating more places close to home where people can experience nature. And the pickup in business reported by restaurants and shops near the Walkway attests to the value of parks in boosting local economies. All of the park projects Scenic Hudson engaged in this year provide communities with fitting and lasting commemorations of the Quadricentennial, whose theme was economic and environmental sustainability."Ned Sullivan

Because of our energetic and generous members and collaborations with community leaders and other allies, we set new benchmarks for creating and enhancing parks. Scenic Hudson's leadership grant helped launch the spectacular Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in Poughkeepsie (Dutchess County). The new park's western gate is named in honor of the organization, which has protected eight properties prominently visible from the span. Scenic Hudson also conceived the adjacent Walkway Loop Trail and partnered with local communities to create this 3.6-mile trail linking the Walkway and Mid-Hudson Bridge with urban, cultural and recreational sites on both riverfronts.

On October 16, Scenic Hudson and New York State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash held a ceremony to officially openFranny Reese State Park in Lloyd (Ulster County). The 250-acre park celebrating the legacy of Frances "Franny" Reese, a Scenic Hudson leader for four decades who helped launch the modern environmental movement.

In Columbia County, we opened Harrier Hill Park in Stockport (Columbia County) featuring a new pavilion and handicapped-accessible trail enhancing enjoyment of panoramic Hudson River and Catskills views.

Our parks team also commenced work with local partners on two Westchester County park projects--replacing an 80-year-old asphalt plant on Tarrytown's waterfront with an exciting new esplanade (to be called Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park) and transforming the historic bathhouse at Sleepy Hollow's Kingsland Point Park into the Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center for environmental education and recreation.