FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2021
City of Kingston
Awarded $654,500 DOS Grant
for Kingston Point
Park Improvements Project Phase 2
KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is
pleased to announce that the City of Kingston has been awarded a $654,500 grant
for the Kingston Point Park Improvements Project’s Phase 2.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced grants
awarded through the NYS Department of State’s Local Waterfront Revitalization
Program funded under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund, including
$654,500 for the City of Kingston to address flooding at Kingston Point Park.
The Kingston Point Park Improvements Project Phase 2 will improve drainage and
elevation on one side of the parking lot, and will return the other side to a
natural wetland. The project will provide access to the existing BMX bike
facility and will enhance connections to the Empire State Trail with new
crosswalks, sidewalks, and pathways.
“We want to thank the Department of State
for this generous grant to complete an important project in a beloved Kingston
park. This project aligns with our long-term vision and commitment to sustained
access to this beautiful part of our City,” said Mayor Noble. “Due to sea-level
rise, Kingston Point Park is a vulnerable site, which is why we have invested
resources in its sustainability, working to make Kingston Point more resilient
to help ensure it will survive well into the future.”
“We’re thrilled to be awarded grant
funding for the next phase of this project,” said Lynsey Timbrouck. “Since the
beginning of the pandemic, we have seen a tremendous surge in the use of our
parks, trails, and outdoor facilities. Now, more than ever, it is essential
that we make investments in our recreational spaces to accommodate the growing
demand we are experiencing. These improvements will be crucial in providing
increased access to our popular dog park, BMX track, softball field, and disc
golf course throughout the Kingston Point Park.”
“Kingston Point Park is a gem in the parks
system, yet at ever-increasing risk of flooding and sea level rise. The City,
along with many partners locally and on the state level, has committed to
addressing the threats by proactively visioning, designing, and building a
whole new space that will be accessible for generations to come,” said Julie
Noble, Environmental Education & Sustainability Coordinator. “The second
phase will allow us to take a nuanced and forward-thinking approach to
redesigning Kingston Point, which will include facilitating the natural
progression of wetland development and migration, while also being responsible
park stewards. I am thrilled with the advancements we have made to date and
truly look forward to advancing this next phase.”
Kingston Point Park Infrastructure
Improvements Project Phase 1, which included the creation of a youth soccer
field and a new parking lot, was recently completed. In addition to the added
amenities, the project incorporated accessibility, sustainability, and
resiliency in the design, which addressed sea level rise and flooding. Phase 1
included green infrastructure elements to manage stormwater and to maximize the
green space. The soccer field will be open in the spring, once the grass is
established and the lines and goals are installed. A new accessible playground
will also be constructed at the site this spring.
The total project cost for the Kingston
Point Park Improvements Project’s Phase 2 is estimated at $750,000. The
remaining $95,500 will be a local match.
More information at https://engagekingston.com/kingston-point-park-project