Saugerties Waterfront Park In Glasco To Undergo Major Improvements

Saugerties is Ulster County's largest Town, and one of the largest in the region. It has miles of riverfront property along the Hudson. However, only a tiny slice of that is owned by the Town, and actively used for recreational purposes. That is all about to change.

Today, Town Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel, County Legislator Joe Roberti, and State Senator John Bonacic unveiled a $325,000 grant secured by Bonacic to transform the Glasco Mini-Park into a greenscaped area with a playground, pavilion, picnic area, parking, and greenery, fishing pier and waterfront promenade. The current Mini-Park simply had an old boat launch with a couple of picnic tables and barbecue grills.

The park is also in the midst of having a new boat launch put in, using a previous grant secured by Bonacic.

Senator Bonacic said, "Over the past several years, working with Supervisor Helsmoortel, members of the Town Council, Legislator Roberti and other local officials, we have worked to make smart investments in Saugerties. A Town this size with this much riverfront needs and deserves a quality waterfront park. I am pleased to have secured the funding to help make that possible."

Supervisor Helsmoortel said, "This park will become a gem in the Saugerties parks system. The beauty of the river combined with the new equipment, fishing pier, and promenade, will put this park among the best in the region for accessing and enjoying the Hudson."

Gladys Hutton, Chairwoman of the Saugerties' Recreation Commission said, "Through Senator Bonacic’s support and efforts in securing the required and substantial funding, the long overdue Glasco Mini Park Project will see completion in a very timely fashion."

County Legislator Joe Roberti said, "As a resident of Saugerties, a father, and Legislator I want clean attractive parks for the people of our community. A waterfront park like Glasco, here along the Hudson, will be a great compliment to our Town. I appreciated the opportunity to work with Senator Bonacic and our Town officials to make it a reality."

Saugerties Town Parks and Buildings Superintendent Greg Chorvas said, "This substantial monetary grant will ensure that the Town's vision for this park, will become a reality. Without this, it might very well have been just a dream."

The expenses anticipated to be covered by the funding include:

Waterfront Promenade $ 42,000

Fishing Dock $100,000

Playground Equipment $ 25,000

Landscaping and screening $ 25,000

Decorative Lighting $ 16,000

Pavilion $ 35,000

Bathrooms and Water/Sewer Hookup $ 40,000

Road and Parking Improvements $ 19,200

Contingency: $ 22,800

Total: $325,000

"The Hudson is a remarkable river and adds tremendous beauty to our communities. As a region we should do all we can to preserve the riverfront and ensure public access for recreation," concluded Senator Bonacic.

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