Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity

Extraordinary Philanthropist to Join Scenic Hudson and Local Officials at Groundbreaking for RiverWalk Center

102-year-old who still kayaks in the Hudson pledged $4 million to Scenic Hudson for turning dilapidated bathhouse into new riverfront attraction

Artist's rendering of Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center

WHAT:

Scenic Hudson will be joined by donors, community officials and other partners in a groundbreaking ceremony as work begins to transform a rundown Hudson River gem—the historic bathhouse at Kingsland Point Park—into a modern center for education and recreation along the Hudson in Westchester County. Scenic Hudson will share detailed plans for the Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center. During the project's first phase, Scenic Hudson and Showcase Contracting of Suffern, Rockland County, will renovate the building's exterior and restore a pavilion that will again be available for picnics and community events. Scenic Hudson is working to create an environmental center on the building's main floor in collaboration with Westchester County Parks, which also is landscaping around the Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center. The center will provide kayaking tours and be home to a community sailing club. Bridge financing from The Pew Charitable Trusts has allowed Scenic Hudson to begin the important work Mrs. Davis' generous bequest will fund.

Scenic Hudson also will outline funding still required to complete phase-two interior renovations. Besides creating an exciting community asset, the new center will contribute to the local economy.

WHO:

• Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson
• Kathryn W. Davis, a Tarrytown resident and philanthropist with a compelling life story
• Ken Wray, mayor of Sleepy Hollow
• Thomas J. Abinanti, Westchester County legislator
• George Oros, Westchester County legislator
• Joseph A. Stout, commissioner of Westchester County Parks
• Thomas S. Curren, project director, The Pew Charitable Trusts

WHEN:

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m.

WHERE:

Kingsland Point Park, Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County

DIRECTIONS:

The park is on Palmer Avenue. Take Rte. 9 to North Tarrytown. Turn west (toward Hudson River) on Pierson Street (which becomes Bellwood) and continue to Palmer Avenue. Turn left on Palmer and continue to Kingsland Point Park.

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally and economically healthy communities, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources.

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