Celebrate the Opening of Foundry Dock Park

Free June 3, event features refreshments and entertainment

(COLD SPRING, New York) - On Saturday, June 3, Scenic Hudson and partners will celebrate a new riverfront park in this historic village. Beginning rain or shine at 11 a.m. with a ribbon cutting, the festivities will continue with music and activities for the entire family until 2 p.m.

The new Foundry Dock Park boasts some of the valley's most dramatic Hudson River views. The historic riverfront property also is handicapped-accessible and features benches, viewing decks, a scenic walking path, a boat unloading area, and parking. The severely eroded shoreline has been stabilized and hundreds of hardy plants including shade and flowering trees, shrubs, wetland perennials and grasses are in place. The gravel boat launch is suitable for kayaks, canoes and small motorboats with a valid permit (five motorboat permits available per month).

Park attractions and celebration details
Scenic Hudson is pleased to ensure that this site with stunning views and easy river access will be used to connect people with the power and spirit of the river, said Steve Rosenberg, senior vice president of Scenic Hudson. Mr. Rosenberg explained that this riverfront property was purchased by Scenic Hudson when it acquired the nearby 87-acre West Point Foundry Preserve. The environmental organization has created 30 other public parks and preserves up and down the Hudson Valley, he added.

The day's activities will include music by violinist Gwen Laster and bassist Damon Banks with a special performance by youth members of the Hudson Valley Fiddle Group. The locally based organization Building Bridges, Building Boats will provide rides on the Storm King, a Hudson River sloop replica. Hudson Valley Outfitters is donating free kayak demonstrations, and a guided tour of the West Point Foundry Preserve will be given by archeologist Timothy Scarlett of Michigan Tech University.

Those who wish to attend the park opening celebration are asked to make a reservation online , by e-mail , or by calling Kim Tiller-Cook at Scenic Hudson, 845 473 4440, ext. 234.

Park is a true partnership
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 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Hudson River Estuary Program toward design and construction of the park. Scenic Hudson is using its own funding for most construction costs. 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 20 parking spaces of its Cold Spring parking lot specifically for Foundry Dock Park users on weekends and holidays.