Master Plan Outlines Many Exciting
Improvements at Dutchess County Parks
See the proposed changes & share your feedback at upcoming events
After collecting and reviewing thousands of survey responses and input from stakeholders and the public, Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro announces the Dutchess County Parks Master Plan has identified several opportunities to make Dutchess County Parks more modern, safe, convenient and accessible. A variety of outreach events have been planned for this summer that will feature special attractions and opportunities for the public to offer feedback on the proposed future improvements.
County Executive Molinaro said, “We have identified several exciting opportunities, both short and long-term, to improve our popular parks, while remaining fiscally and environmentally conscious. As we work to complete the Parks Master Plan, public engagement remains a critical component to ensuring we have a relevant plan that reflects what our residents and visitors need and want. I invite everyone to join us at one of the upcoming events to see the great changes we have planned for our parks and share your feedback, all while enjoying family-friendly fun.”
The Parks Master Plan recommends key areas for investment at each park, such as adding much-needed parking at Quiet Cove Riverfront Park and optimizing the available space at Bowdoin Park, among many others. The Master Plan also outlines system-wide recommendations such as staffing, equipment, and infrastructure improvements. Recommendations for passive recreation facilities at the new Lake Walton Preserve are anticipated to be added to the Master Plan this fall.
The outreach event schedule and proposed changes highlights are as follows:
Quiet Cove Riverfront Park
Join us Tuesday, June 18 at 4-6pm at Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, located at 1 Clear Water Drive, Poughkeepsie, for an evening in the park to take in the views of the Hudson River from one of our two observation decks and offer your feedback on the proposed improvements such as expanded parking and traffic flow improvements, added accessible pedestrian paths, and enhancements to the park’s entrance along Route 9 to improve access and visibility. View the event flyer.
Dutchess Stadium
Join us Thursday, July 11 at 6-9pm at Dutchess Stadium, located at 1500 Route 9D, Wappingers Falls, to watch the Hudson Valley Renegades take on the Staten Island Yankees and be sure to stop by the information table to see the proposed plans at each County park, including what’s next for the planned Stadium improvements, and offer your feedback. Be one of the first 1,000 through the gate and receive a new Renegades baseball cap! Tickets are available at hvrenegades.com. View the event flyer.
Harlem Valley Rail Trail & Wilcox Memorial Park
Visit the Parks Division’s information table on Saturday, July 20 at 10am-1pm at Millerton Farmer’s Market, located at Dutchess Avenue and Main Street in the Village of Millerton, to see the plans for each park, including the improvements at Wilcox Memorial Park such as the creation of pedestrian and bicycle paths, expanded and enhanced camping facilities, a new accessible playground and splashpad, and myriad green infrastructure additions to improve the water quality of both lakes and increase the Park’s environmental sustainability. The Market also features local farmers, bakers, and food artisans. View the event flyer.
Bowdoin Park
Join us Wednesday, August 7 at 6-8pm at Bowdoin Park, located at 85 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, to enjoy local food trucks and live music and offer feedback on the proposed future improvements, including parking expansions and improvements to traffic flow, a new accessible playground and splash pad with easy access to a sensory path, improved and increased pavilion access, and building accessible walking loops throughout the park as well as a new Education Center for increased programming throughout the year. View the event flyer.
Director of Parks Steve Olsen said, “Our wide range of amenities and programs are popular with residents of all ages and abilities. This Master Plan highlights many exciting new opportunities for improvement and growth that will greatly improve the quality of life within our community.”
The Parks Master Plan development process has been a collaborative effort between consultant, M.J. Engineering & Land Surveying (MJ) of Clifton Park, Dutchess County officials and staff, parks and recreation professionals, and advocacy representatives with support from PLACE Alliance.
For more information about Dutchess County Parks, visit www.dutchessny.gov.
