Improvements Underway at Foundry Dock Park

Construction of park improvements has begun at Scenic Hudson's Foundry Dock Park on the Hudson River in Cold Spring

( COLD SPRING, New York) - Construction of park improvements began in early March at Scenic Hudson's Foundry Dock Park located on the Hudson River in Cold Spring, Putnam County. The project contractors, Maple Leaf Associates of Mahopac, and landscape architects Hudson & Pacific Designs of Saugerties are working steadily and hope to be completed in late May, receive our Certificate of Occupancy from the Village of Cold Spring and be ready for our ribbon cutting and formal opening on Sat. June 3.

Because the site is under construction, the launch area is temporarily closed.

NEW SITE AMENITIES

The new park, which will be handicapped-accessible, will be open from dawn to dusk. The design will reflect the site's industrial past, create a scenic gateway on the river and improve river access.

* two viewing decks with benches
* gravel walking path with benches
* driveway and boat unloading area (concrete pavers and gravel)
* three car-length parking spaces on-site (one is handicap accessible only) and off-site parking in the Metro-North parking lot
* two pedestrian-scale lights
* one portable toilet (May to October)
* stabilization of the severely eroded shoreline with boulders, "biod-role coir roles" and plantings
* extensive new plantings of native shade and flowering trees and shrubs
* signs and information kiosk with history and rules and regulations
for boat launching and general park rules * the existing gravel boat launch will be suitable for kayaks and canoes and small motorboats with permit
* Scenic Hudson will have a part-time park attendant on duty (see "jobs" on the Scenic Hudson website)

BACKGROUND

Foundry Dock Park is a small property with big views and important history. During the 19th century, the site served as an industrial wharf with a loading dock for the historic West Point Foundry. Before Scenic Hudson purchased the riverfront property in 1996 for public access, it was sorely neglected but enjoyed as a favorite put-in for small boats. Scenic Hudson and volunteers cleared loads of trash and debris and the popularity of the site increased as the interest in kayaking on the river and into Constitution Marsh Audubon Sanctuary grew.

Foundry Dock Park will be an attractive focal point on the Hudson River open to the public with its natural features restored. Scenic Hudson is pleased to ensure that this magnificent property will be used to connect people with the power and spirit of the River. Scenic Hudson purchased the riverfront property when it purchased the 87-acre West Point Foundry Preserve property. The environmental organization and land trust has created 30 other public parks and preserves in the Hudson Valley.

PROJECT PARTNERS

The design, construction and management of the park are a collaborative effort of Scenic Hudson, New York State, Putnam County, the Village of Cold Spring and Metro-North Railroad. Putnam County received a grant from NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program toward design and construction of the park. Scenic Hudson is using its own funding for most of the construction costs, about $275,000. Metro-North Railroad has contributed toward the project with a permanent easement on a portion of the park that is owned by Metro-North. In addition, Metro-North also has designated a number of parking spaces of its Cold Spring parking lot specifically for Foundry Dock Park users on weekends.

BOAT LAUNCH

The existing boat launch will remain.

Car-top boats:

Those with car-top boats will unload their boat in the loading zone and carry or wheel with a hand cart their boat to the launch.

Motorboats:

Up to five motorboats with be allowed to launch from the park per month. Because of the shallow water surrounding the park, its important habitat for submerged aquatic vegetation or SAV, and the type of events held at the neighboring Chapel of Our Lady, motorboats that meet certain restrictions can be launched with a permit. The Village of Cold Spring will issue a total of five permits per month on a first-come basis. Motorboats must not exceed 18 feet in length and outboard motors must not exceed 20 horsepower.

Commercial outfitters:

To use the boat launch for commercial non-motorized boat tours and rentals, all commercial outfitters must register in advance with Scenic Hudson. For information about registration, insurance and applicable rules and regulations call 845 473 4440, ext. 230 during regular weekday business hours.

LANDSCAPING A number of trees have been removed because they were dead, dying or in poor condition (many due to soil compaction). Also trees were removed to accommodate up to 12" of new soil, a new driveway and parking area. Most of the trees that were removed were Norway Maples, a non-native tree listed on New York State Invasive Plant Council's Top Twenty. Existing trees have been preserved where possible and new shade and flowering trees will be planting.

For more information, please contact Rita Shaheen at Scenic Hudson, 845 473 4440, ext. 230