A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of the newest segment of the RiverWalk pathway on Tuesday, Aug. 10, which gives walkers new access to a beautiful section of Tarrytown with sweeping Hudson River views.
The path winds along a bluff above the eastern bank of the Hudson River and weaves through diverse topography: steep and densely wooded hillsides, developed areas, and over a 100-foot long footbridge which covers a deep stream gorge.
The mile-long asphalt pathway traverses the Lyndhurst estate as well as properties owned by Kraft Foods Global, Metro-North Railroad and the village of Tarrytown.
“The four parties generously worked together with the county to meet the project’s challenges and complete this scenic portion of the pathway, and the result is a valuable recreational and contemplative environmental treasure for residents and visitors alike,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino.
The RiverWalk is a planned 51.5-mile pathway paralleling the Hudson River in Westchester that links village centers, historic sites, parks and river access points via a connection of trails, esplanades and boardwalks. It spans 14 municipalities and is part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway system.
The northernmost segment of the new Tarrytown section is located along an embankment within the Metro-North Railroad right-of-way and dead ends at a residential street. The southernmost portion follows an existing 0.4-mile asphalt road, passing by the sloping lawns, mature trees and historic buildings of Lyndhurst, a Gothic Revival mansion designed in 1838 and a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Aside from presenting glorious views of the river and the Tappan Zee Bridge, the new pathway will offer visitors information on the Hudson River and Lyndhurst on two interpretive signs, benches for respite and overlook areas at which to stop to admire the majestic river views. The project, primarily designed by the Westchester County Department of Planning, also restored historic elements of the original Lyndhurst estate: benches, a river-rock swale, public restrooms and period light poles.
Rising to the requirement to respect historical accuracy, Lyndhurst’s Restoration Project Manager Krystyn Hastings-Silver tracked down the original mold used to fabricate the historic light poles at the Lyndhurst estate to Alabama and Robinson Iron Forge, the company that purchased the unique molds from the New York company that first created them in 1939.
“The county team was a delight to work with,” said Jack Braunlein, director of Lyndhurst. “The end result of our joint effort is an amenity for the entire community that reflects the uniqueness of Lyndhurst and compliments the variety of natural and historical settings on each segment of this beautiful trail.”
Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell said the village was also thrilled to be a partner in adding this wonderful asset to the county’s inventory of public spaces. “We look forward to the many years of enjoyment it will bring to both Tarrytown residents and visitors from throughout Westchester," he said.
Metro North President Howard Permut said, ""Metro-North is pleased to have partnered with the County and Village on improving river access as part of being a good neighbor." He noted that this over half-acre permanent easement from the railroad is similar to one provided to connect Senesqua Park to Discovery Cove, on the west edge of the Harmon Yard in Croton-on-Hudson.
Kraft Foods, which allowed access through its property, said it was glad to be part of the project.
"We were delighted to make this beautiful river easier to appreciate for all those in this community -- or others -- who enjoy RiverWalk," said Deanie Elsner, president of Kraft Foods North America's Beverages Business Unit.
An actual onsite visit offers visitors a real-life recreational opportunity, but a virtual RiverWalk tour is another option. The aerial imagery of Google Earth and GIS mapping technology was combined with point-of-view pictures for a four-minute bird’s-eye view tour along the entire 50-mile route. This virtual tour stops at 15 interesting locations along RiverWalk, including Hudson Park on the Yonkers waterfront, Scenic Hudson Park in Irvington, the Croton riverfront, Annsville Preserve in Peekskill and this newest section in Tarrytown. The virtual tour can be viewed at www.westchestergov.com/riverwalk.
The county funded this portion of the RiverWalk project with two bonds. The entire project cost $3.56 million -- $2.65 million in construction costs and $910,000 for the design, construction supervision and administration. The village of Tarrytown is responsible for the long-term maintenance of the segment.