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County Executive William R. Steinhaus unveiled his Comprehensive Parks Upgrade Plan last month at Quiet Cove Riverfront Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The $9.9 million plan, which is designed to continue to improve the quality of life in Dutchess County, is comprised of three major enhancements, including linking the Dutchess Rail Trail (DRT) to the Walkway Over the Hudson, the implementation of the master plan for Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, and facility improvements at Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie, and Wilcox Park in the Town of Milan.
“When we provide new recreational opportunities, we create positive long-term effects including residents who are healthier and more fit because they are taking advantage of our beautiful parks and participating in more physical activities,” Steinhaus said.
The DRT will be a 12-mile, multi-use, linear county park and alternate transportation mode that will run through the middle of the county, along what was once the Maybrook Rail corridor. Through the acquisition and development of an abandoned CSX railroad property located in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, Steinhaus hopes to connect the DRT to the Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge, to create a continuous trail spanning from East Fishkill to New Paltz.
The “DRT Extension” project – which will include a 13-foot wide paved surface, drainage improvements, fencing, parking, and signage, among other enhancement – is estimated to cost $4.42 million, and Steinhaus hopes to have the project completed by Oct. 2009.
“This plan was hatched years ago, and it’s finally coming to fruition. It’s a no-brainer when you think about it – the movement to convert the former the rail line into a recreational park – it’s a very exciting time,” said County Parks Director Steve Olsen.
Olsen, who has been the director since December, notes that the stretch, which is just less than two miles long, is packed with people every weekend.
Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, located on the banks of the Hudson River in the Town of Poughkeepsie, is part of a cooperative 2005 agreement between Dutchess County and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Under the terms of the agreement, Dutchess County is obligated to make improvements to the property –which formerly housed the Hudson River Psychiatric Center – in recognition of the state providing the property to the county at no cost.
The Quiet Cove Master Plan was created to enhance the scenic beauty of the property, which is expected to be a key location for celebration events held in connection with next year’s Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial celebration.
“Quiet Cove’s location is spectacular, and it is going to give river access to county residents,” said Olsen, who noted that outdoor activities like canoeing and kayaking have become increasingly more popular.
The master plan calls for shoreline improvements, as well as the development of three access points along the river. Two existing beaches will be improved for canoe and kayak launching, and a promenade with a boat dock will be constructed. Environmentally sensitive shoreline-improvement techniques will be implemented to prevent erosion, improve the natural river-edge habitat, and encourage fishing.
Other planned improvements outlined in the $4.5 million project include the development of a small amphitheater, landscape improvements, additional parking and other utility infrastructure improvements.
The third and final component of Steinhaus’ Comprehensive Parks Upgrade Plan includes facility improvements at Bowdoin and Wilcox parks.
Both parks are popular destinations for family gatherings and social events, and at Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie, all pavilions are fully booked until this fall.
As part of Steinhaus’ plan, several facilities will undergo roof and window replacements, and renovations to ensure that each facility is well-maintained, energy-efficient and equipped to meet the needs of the community. Playground upgrades are also planned for Bowdoin Park.
The total cost for capital improvements at the parks is estimated to be just under $960,000.
Steinhaus has submitted a $9.9 million bond request to the Dutchess County Legislature for discussion at its June board meeting and for approval in July.
