New Portion of RiverWalk in Tarrytown Officially Opens

It hasn't been an easy trek, finishing the one-mile portion of the RiverWalk Pathway in south Tarrytown.

But now pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy some of the most scenic views and historical sights that the village has to offer.

Yesterday was the official opening, and ribbon cutting, of the newest portion of the RiverWalk Pathway – a one-mile stretch that parallels the Hudson through land owned by four separate entities.

"It's a very interesting and exciting project, it's been a long time coming," said Robert Lopane, the leader planner on the pathway.

This particular one-mile section traverses property owned by Kraft Foods, Lyndhurst, Merto-North and the Village of Tarrytown. It begins on the southern edge of Lyndhurst's property and ends in the Irving Neighborhood just south of the Tappan Zee Bridge. Planners began working on the portion back in 2002, but it took time to get everyone on board. 

"There were a lot of difficult issues along the way," Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell said. "It's a great project, it's beautiful, but like everything else we do it takes an enormous amount of work... We're talking about an eight-year project to bring this to fruition, but as you all see it was definitely worth it."

The latest section to the trail boasts sweeping views of the Hudson River, interpretive signs, benches and an 80-foot footbridge over Sheldon Brook. 

The portion that goes through Lyndhurst is especially interesting in that historical elements are included that were sourced back to Lyndhurst's past, such as the gutters and light posts. The Lyndhurst Bowling Alley was also refurbished and the restroom made to look as it did when it was first erected. The restroom will be open to those walking along the trail. 

County legislator Tom Abinanti said that this portion of the RiverWalk represented a melding of histories – that of our forebears and those striving to bring communities together through non-motorized networks.

"This is very symbolic of Westchester's past, it's also symbolic of Westchester's future because it brings all of these communities together," he said. 

While the southern stretch meets up with the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, the northern portion is still isolated, awaiting the rebuild of the Tappan Zee Bridge before it can connect to the next-closest pathway section at Losee Field. 

In total, the RiverWalk is a planned 51.5-mile pathway along the Hudson River that links village centers, historic sites, parks and river access points via a connection of trails, esplanades and boardwalks. It will span 14 municipalities when completed. 

Roughly 33 miles of the RiverWalk has been mapped by using existing pathways, sidewalks and recent additions to the trail network. A number of small spans have already been built or are under construction in other parts of Tarrytown as well as Sleepy Hollow. 

At the ceremony yesterday, County Executive Robert Astorino praised the "public-private partnership" that it took to build the span, and also took the opportunity to announce the next portion of the RiverWalk in the pipeline – a half-mile piece that will begin in north Yonkers at the Glenwood train station and connect to the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. He said he brought legislation forward to fund the project on Monday. 

"I am committed to preserving Westchester's green space and helping take the RiverWalk to completion," he said. 

The entire Tarrytown 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.

Despite the trail officially opening yesterday, that didn't prevent some individuals from breaking it in early. 

"Prior to its official opening, in the winter, I snuck around the fence and took a walk, and indeed it is an absolutely wonderful project to have in our community," Fixell said. "It will serve residents of Westchester, residents of Tarrytown and visitors from all over the world I am sure."