Highland, NY
Walkway Over the Hudson West Approach Visitor Center
Spanning the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and Highland, NY, the remarkable Walkway Over the Hudson reclaims a long abandoned railroad bridge as a public promenade and regional trail connector. At 6,768 feet (1.28 miles) long, the Walkway is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. The elevated trail provides breathtaking views of the Hudson River landscape more than 200 feet below. Opened in 2009, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park has quickly become one of the Hudson Valley’s top attractions.
Saratoga Associates is pleased to have worked with the NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) to design architectural and site improvements that enhance
the visitor experience and facility function at the busy West Approach of the Walkway. A new Welcome Center offers visitor information, interpretive exhibits, restroom facilities and permanent OPRHP facilities. The courtyard deck provides a rest area for trail users and an outdoor space for food concessions and picnicking. Parking and walkway enhancements complete universal accessibility to these west side park facilities. The multi-purpose outdoor amphitheater complements the center and accommodates public functions, education, and entertainment activities. The landscape plantings highlight the pedestrian connections, provide screening of an adjacent parking lot, and incorporate native species.
CLIENT:
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
YEAR COMPLETED:
2018
SERVICES:
Architectural Design
Programming
Landscape Architectural Design
Site Planning
Construction Administration
