My Community Guidebook - Coxsackie-Athens: 2022-2023

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CONTRIBUTED ARTWORK
An artist’s rendering of the planned renovations at Coxsackie’s Riverside Park and
State Boat Launch.
JEWEL, from page 32
In April renovations at Riverside
Park were well underway, with
the frame of the open-air pavilion
already up and construction
workers on lifts completing the
roof. The park has been closed
to the public since the project’s
announcement in September
2021, but should be up and running
by May, in time for the return
of late spring and summer
outdoor events.
The open-air pavilion will host
the weekly Coxsackie Farmers
Market and other special
events. The renovation project
will also bring new trees, landscaping
and seating to the park,
improved bike and pedestrian
trails between the river and
downtown area, and new sidewalks.
The old basketball court —
which was dismantled at the
start of the project in the fall
— is being rebuilt and new signage,
including signs for boaters
using the launch, will also be
added.
The boat launch itself is being
completely rebuilt with new
floating gangways and docks
to make launching from the site
easier. A new kayak launch that
is compliant with the Americans
with Disabilities Act will make
access to the river easier for all,
and space is being added for
transient boat tie-ups.
The environment hasn’t been
forgotten — renovations also
include a new boat wash station
to reduce the spread of aquatic
invasive species, a rain garden
to control stormwater, an electric
vehicle charging station and
LED lighting fixtures, according
to the governor’s office.
The Coxsackie boat launch is the
first to benefit from the state
See JEWEL, page 35
JEWEL, from page 34
initiative but is not alone — improvements
are also planned
at other Hudson River boat
launches, including at Riverfront
Park in neighboring Athens.
Other boat launches included in
the initiative include Schodack
Island State Park, Crailo State
Historic Site and Hudson State
Boat Launch, which will all receive
upgrades and expanded
access in the future.
“This project is an exciting first
step in better developing the
recreational and educational
potential of the Hudson River,”
State Parks Commissioner Erik
Kulleseid said when the project
was announced in September.
“New York state’s work to foster
cleaner air and water, and
protect open space, has helped
lead to the return of growing
numbers of bald eagles to the
Hudson River Valley. The Hudson
Eagles Recreation Area will
celebrate this tremendous environmental
accomplishment,
“This project is an exciting first step in better
developing the recreational and educational potential
of the Hudson River. New York state’s work
to foster cleaner air and water, and protect open
space, has helped lead to the return of growing
numbers of bald eagles to the Hudson River Valley.”
— State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid
improve access for active recreational
groups, increase resiliency
and inspire more New Yorkers
to appreciate and protect their
natural world.”
The Riverside Park renovations
have been welcomed by elected
officials as a way to build on the
relationship between the community
and the river that has
been so vital to its history and
growth.
“Revitalizing the Coxsackie State
Boat Launch and Riverside Park
to its fullest potential is a critical
effort that will enhance
public access to the incredible
range of nature-based activities
our region has to offer and
strengthen economic ties to our
local business community,” state
Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-46,
said when the project was announced.
“Now more than ever,
we recognize the immense value
of our parks and recreation
spaces as areas that advance
the health and well-being of
our upstate communities and
the overall economic and environmental
vitality of our region.
I am thrilled that this project is
moving forward so this beautiful
stretch of land and river can
continue to be enjoyed by our
Greene County community for
years to come.”
The project will benefit the community
in many ways, Assemblyman
Chris Tague, R-102, said.
“This project is a welcome one
that will increase the utility and
enjoyability of the Coxsackie
State Boat Launch and Riverside
Park for families throughout the
region and make it more resilient
to wear and tear so that
future generations can continue
to enjoy all it has to offer,” Tague
said. “I am particularly excited
about the addition of a pavilion
that will give the park a greater
ability to host farmers markets
and other special events, giving
the community opportunities to
come together and see what local
farmers, craftsmen and businesses
have to offer.”
The Coxsackie project is part
of the NY Parks 100 initiative, a
$440 million capital investment
over four years to address overcrowding,
promote visitation by
underserved communities, enhance
local recreation and tourism,
and protect environmental
and historic assets, according to
the state.
34 • Coxsackie-Athens Community Guidebook Coxsackie-Athens Community Guidebook • 35