Phase 2 of Peekskill's Visionary Waterfront Opens

With the weather so inviting, it's time to explore Peekskill's new Southern Waterfront Park and Trailway on the Hudson River waterfront.

It 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 at a cost of $4.7 million.

“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 a written statement.

The city officially opened the Southern Waterfront Park and Trailway with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony April 15 at the Travis Cove Overlook, near Charles Point Pier Park. Catalina, Westchester County Legislator John Testa, Empire State Development Regional Director Meghan Taylor, and others were speakers at the outdoor ceremony.

The opening signified a major milestone for Peekskill and the completion of the second phase of a multi-year, $8.3 million waterfront revitalization program.

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.

And the third phase is in the planning stages.

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 studied for reuse potential and engineered for rehabilitation with DOS funds.

"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 parkand 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.

Acting New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said rhe Department of State was happy to have been involved in the planning and design.

“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 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.”

Visit www.cityofpeekskill.com for more information.

PHOTOS/contributed