Award to Peekskill for Riverfront Park, Trailway

The Westchester Municipal Planning Federation will issue a Commendation Award to the City of Peekskill at its annual planning awards competition ceremony on June 2nd for the city’s planning achievement in designing and opening the Southern Waterfront Park and Trailway System on the Hudson River waterfront.

The public amenity includes a new one-mile paved ADA accessible waterfront trail, a three-acre expansion of Riverfront Green, an elevated walkway across Travis Cove, two boat docks, two gazebos, iconic sculpture, and a prominent overlook near Charles Point Park, all with majestic views of the Hudson River.  

“The Southern Waterfront Park and Trailway is a gem in the City’s necklace of riverfront parks, which will attract tens of thousands of visitors annually for all types of activities from concerts to festivals to outdoor recreation,” said Mayor Frank Catalina in an announcement.

The City of Peekskill officially opened the Southern Waterfront Park and Trailway with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, April 15, 2016. Mayor Catalina, Westchester County Legislator John Testa, Empire State Development Regional Director Meghan Taylor, and others spoke at the outdoor ceremony.

“This accomplishment signifies a major milestone for Peekskill and the completion of the second phase of a multi-year, $8.3 million waterfront revitalization program. Historically, Peekskill’s riverfront was alive with industrial and commercial activity, and now we are bringing it back to life for residents and visitors, and as an attraction for increased tourism and new businesses. This park and trail system fulfills the City’s promise of making Peekskill a great place to live, work, visit, and enjoy,” said Catalina, who also thanked Ginsburg Development Companies, Empire State Development, New York Department of State, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of Environmental Conservation, River Keeper, Army Corps of Engineers, Metro North and several citizen advisory groups for their support in developing the Southern Waterfront Park and Trail.

“The Department of State is happy to have been involved in the planning and design of the Southern Waterfront Park and Trailway,” said Jorge Montalvo, Deputy Secretary for Economic Opportunity, representing Acting Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “The expansion of this recreational area continues to improve public access to the Hudson River and supports the transformation of Peekskill’s waterfront district to foster a vibrant local economy.”

Scenic Hudson Park at Peekskill Landing, just north of the Southern Waterfront Park and Trailway, was the first phase of the revitalization. It was transformed in 2014 from a vacant industrial site into a 4.4 acre park with a boardwalk along the City’s legendary Hudson River shoreline, a pedestrian footbridge, docks for kayaks and small watercraft, a gazebo and trellis, and multi-use trailways for jogging, biking, walking, and other outdoor activities. Amenities, like the installation of four unique pieces of public sculpture, interpretive signage, decorative lighting, and extensive landscaping, have also been included.

“The Southern Waterfront Park will increase interest in Peekskill’s beautiful and historic waterfront by improving access, including a mile-long ADA accessible trail, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the natural, year-round wonders the Hudson River has to offer,” said Meghan Taylor, representing Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “ESD has supported this revitalization project since its inception, including a $3.9 million grant for the phase that is now officially opening, because the park not only has aesthetic and recreational value, but will also bolster the area’s tourism industry by drawing visitors and new residents to the area, leading to job creation and economic growth.”

Peekskill, with a grant from the Department of State, is currently preparing construction documents and permit applications to continue the trail from Charles Point Pier Park, around Wheelabrator, through the Charles Point Marina and around Lents Cove to Peekskill’s southern border with Buchanan. Fleischmann Pier is also being analyzed for reuse potential and engineered for rehabilitation with DOS funds.

“We invite the public to come to our riverfront by boat, bike, car, foot, or rail, and see all that Peekskill’s riverfront has to offer. Take in the spectacular view, partake in a multitude of activities, shop in our shops, dine in our many restaurants and pubs, and visit the downtown. The Southern Waterfront Park and Trail is making our outstanding riverfront even better,” said Catalina.

Fifty miles north of Manhattan, The City of Peekskill is the northernmost historic Hudson River town in Westchester County. Formerly one of New York’s manufacturing bases, Peekskill has experienced economic revitalization in recent years. It is home today to many small businesses and medical facilities, as well as a thriving downtown hub that has attracted galleries, coffee houses, restaurants, and artists’ studios. Visit www.cityofpeekskill.com for more information.