Expanding Rockland Lake, Nyack Beach, Hook Mountain State Park

Senator David Carlucci hosted an informational meeting Thursday at the Valley Cottage Library on the status of an ongoing project to expand Rockland Lake, Nyack Beach and Hook Mountain State Park through the purchase of land owned by the Sisters of our Lady of Christian Doctrine in Upper Nyack.

“In 1911 Hook Mountain and Nyack Beach State Parks were established to preserve the natural beauty of this important area on the shore of the Hudson River. Today 105 years later 30 additional acres will be added to this park that was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980. The Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain wish to thank ALL the people who have been involved is supporting this expansion for future generations to enjoy,” said Robert Mahar, President of the Friends of Rockland Lake & Hook Mountain.

The Sisters of our Lady of Christian Doctrine, also known as the Sisters of Marydell, have owned the 39-acre property since 1924, where for over 50 years it was used as a summer camp that provided thousands of girls from New York City the opportunity to enjoy their summers along the Hudson River at the base of Hook Mountain.

Starting in 1990, the property was officially named the Marydell Faith and Life Center in order to continue the mission of the Sisters in their service to the poor.

“We, the Sisters, consider ourselves blessed to have lived here for almost a century. We are grateful for all that has been and we pray this property will continue blessing many others in perpetuity,” said Sister Veronica Mendez, President of the Sisters of our Lady of Christine Doctrine.

In their efforts to preserve 30 acres of the property that will be enjoyed by everyone for years to come, the Sisters of Marydell are working with a nonprofit organization, The Trust for Public Land, to transfer ownership of property to the Trust which will maintain all its natural elements. The Trust for Public Land would then transfer ownership to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The funding for the purchase will potentially be procured through a combination of state agencies, nonprofits, private donors, and local and state governments.

“The Marydell Sisters have responsibly stewarded their property for the benefit of the people of Rockland County and the region for over 90 years. Now it is our opportunity to ensure that this property remains an asset to the community so that citizens will enjoy a permanent southern access point to the top of Hook Mountain,” said Ben Weiland, Project Manager at The Trust for Public Land.

In addition to overlooking the Hudson River, the land rests in the middle of Nyack Beach State Park and Rockland Lake State Park. By protecting this property, Hook Mountain will have a permanent southern access point. The transfer of this land will improve the water quality of the Hudson River and provide a connection to the Long Path Hiking Trail that runs from the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey to Altamont, Albany County.

“New York State Parks is excited about the opportunity to preserve this land, and in doing so provide much better access and connect to Nyack Beach, Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain State Parks,” said Commissioner Rose Harvey, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Joining Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) at the meeting were Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski and representatives from The Trust for Public Land, the Marydell Faith and Life Center, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and Friends of Rockland Lake & Hook Mountain. Also in attendance was Clarkstown Councilwoman Valerie Moldow as well as representatives from the offices of U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann.

“As our town continues to grow, we must ensure that our outdoor heritage is preserved for future generations. I’m proud that Clarkstown’s financial commitment sealed this deal and allowed us to move forward to preserve 30 acres of open space. Only working together, in partnership with the State, conservation organizations, and private landowners will we preserve that common heritage,” said Hoehmann.

The Palisades Interstate Park Commission will work with the Sisters of Marydell, The Trust for Public Land, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the elected officials to ensure this property is protected in perpetuity.

“Combining the Marydell property with the surrounding parks will preserve this beautiful open space for generations to come. This is a wonderful example of public and private cooperation,” said United States Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY-17).