Poughkeepsie Park Awarded Major Grant

City of Poughkeepsie has been awarded $75,000 for improvements and a trail connection at College Hill Park.  The announcement made Friday by Mayor Rob Rolison.  The grant was awarded by the Hudson River Valley Greenway.  The city will partner with the Revive College Hill Park Coalition.  The plan is to build a trail that leads from the Dutchess County Rail Trail to the Reservoir Walk at College Hill.  For those unfamiliar with Reservoir Walk, it is a historic path that circles the city’s original Victorian-era reservoir.  Signage and bike racks will also be included as part of the project.  Those will be placed along the new trail.

Interim Economic Development Director Paul Calogerakis said, A connection with the Dutchess County Rail Trail has long been sought as a means of opening up College Hill to current residents and new visitors who may not be as familiar with the park.  Now people will be able to more easily access College Hill and enjoy all that the park has to offer.”

The city says this grant comes at the right time, as they implement their park improvement plan, which includes College Hill Park.  Once completed, the park will be accessible from the Walkway-over-the Hudson via the Dutchess County Rail Trail.  Constructions is planned for Spring 2019 and will be completed by the Summer 2019.