NYCkayaker Cold Spring Foundry Cove (long)

Tue Apr 11 12:14:48 EDT 2006

I reached out to Scenic Hudson and received the following response from
Rita Shaheen. 

Scott S. Keller
Trails & Special Projects Coordinator
Hudson River Valley Greenway
Capitol Building Room 254
Albany, New York  12224
(518) 473-3835 voice
(518) 473-4518 fax
scott.keller@hudsongreenway.state.ny.us

Construction of park improvements begun in early March at Scenic
Hudson's Foundry Dock Park located on Market Street in Cold Spring,
Putnam County.  Our contractors, Maple Leaf Associates of Mahopac 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.  Due to the
fact that the site is under construction, the launch area is temporarily
closed. 

SITE AMENITIES

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

*	two viewing decks with benches 
*	gravel walking path with benches 
*	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 
*	portable toilet from May to October 
*	stabilization of the severely eroded shoreline 
*	extensive new plantings of native shade and flowering trees and
shrubs 
*	signs and information kiosk with rules and regulations for boat
launching and general park rules 
*	the gravel boat launch will be suitable for kayaks, canoes and
small motorboats 

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 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.  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. 

A limited number of motorboats will be able to be launched from the
park.  Because of the shallow water surrounding the park, important
"submerged aquatic vegetation" 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.  Scenic Hudson will have a part-time park
attendant on duty.

LANDSCAPING
A number of trees have been removed because they were dead, dying or in
poor condition (many due to soil compaction). In addition, trees were
removed because new soil was needed to be brought in and to accommodate
the 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 when
possible and new shade and flowering trees will be planting.  

ABOUT SCENIC HUDSON

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its
majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital
resource for residents and visitors.  A crusader for the valley since
1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a
destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots
environmental movement.  Today with more than 10,000 ardent supporters,
we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River
Valley.  Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for
agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to
create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic
growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's
inspiring beauty and natural resources.  www.scenichudson.org

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

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