Scenic Hudson Donates Popular Rhinebeck Park to Winnakee Land Trust

(RHINEBECK) - Scenic Hudson is donating its Burger Hill Park - 76 acres with panoramic views and a 550-foot hilltop popular for picnicking, hiking and sledding - to the Winnakee Land Trust. The Poughkeepsie-based environmental group bought the park in 1996 after being approached by Winnakee Land Trust, which has managed the park with Scenic Hudson since its opening in 1997.

Located off Route 9G and reputed to be the highest point in Rhinebeck, Burger Hill Park's open meadows and rural beauty made it noteworthy to generations of Rhinebeck residents and visitors. After a brisk hilltop assent, hikers enjoy views of the Hudson River, Shawangunk Ridge, the Catskill and Taconic mountains and the Berkshires. During snowy weekends, its steep slope is typically filled with sleds, toboggans and snowboards.

Since 1995 Scenic Hudson has created 30 parks and preserves up and down the Hudson River Valley. The largest environmental organization and land trust focused on the Hudson Valley, Scenic Hudson sees public parks as a vitally important way to connect people to the region's beauty and power to inspire. Winnakee Land Trust, formed in 1990, shares this commitment to preserving natural areas for public benefit. The group has focused on creating hiking and biking trails, including two Rhinebeck bike trails developed with Scenic Hudson.

"We are pleased to donate this cherished community asset to a group that has helped make this park a haven for outdoor and nature enthusiasts. As development continues to consume open land, this kind of landscape is an oasis, an outdoor classroom for school groups and a fitness center for those who value open-air workouts," said Steve Rosenberg. "Burger Hill also preserves an important piece of Rhinebeck's rural character and heritage. We're happy to know it will forever be a gift to residents and visitors."

"The people of the Hudson Valley take pride in Burger Hill and are thankful to Scenic Hudson for its foresight in preserving it. The success of this park has created heightened public interest in the Winnakee Land Trust's work to save other special places in northern Dutchess County," said Sally Mazzarella, president of the land trust. "We are proud of the park we made and for the vote of confidence Scenic Hudson has given us to ensure that it remains a gem of Rhinebeck."

About Winnakee Land Trust
The Winnakee Land Trust, Inc. was formed 16 years ago. The organization was incorporated to preserve open space, agricultural and natural areas and to work collaboratively with government and non-government agencies on smart growth initiatives, including the development of hiking, biking and walking trails.