The Peekskill Southern Waterfront improvements are designed to provide an unbroken link between five segments extending from the Riverfront Green Park on the north end to Lent’s Cove on the south. The linkages would take the form of multi-use paths and boardwalks, with other improvements that would enhance the various segments, including picnic and gathering areas, benches, trail connections and focal points. Additional park visitors from both land and water will increase the awareness and appreciation of cultural, historical and natural features of the local landscape. The Peekskill Southern Waterfront trails project would become an integral component of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Watertrail system. Bio-engineered slope stabilization measures will protect the riverbank and provide natural food and cover for upland and riparian wildlife species while enhancing the aesthetic character of the waterfront.

The Riverfront Green South component of the Peekskill Southern Waterfront exists on “made land”, which prior to the industrial era, was host to a portion of the larger Hudson River estuarine community. The design for park improvements on what is now predominently open lawn would include a diverse tidal pool complex that provides aesthetic, artistic and educational opportunities. The tidal pool’s granular substrate would be planted with native vegetation to complement the fish and wildlife and transitional upland communities. The banks of the river and tidal pool complex would be stabilized with a combination of hard and soft engineering practices. Bio-engineered stabilization measures will provide natural food and cover for upland and riparian wildlife species that, along with trails, picnic areas and interprative signage, enhance the park visitor’s experience.

The Peekskill Southern Waterfront project presented an interesting mix of challenges and opportunities. Travis Cove, juxtaposed between two important destinations along the waterfront corridor, presented the challenge of establishing an environmentally friendly connection and an opportunity to enhance the access to and awareness of the riparian community. Such a connection would provide opportunities for fishing and site seeing that was previously not available. The use of a raised walkway situated nearby, but still clear of important submerged aquatic vegetation beds, was envisioned as a balance of form and function in keeping with the goals and objectives of the Southern Waterfront master plan. This element in the context of the overall plan will be an integral component of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Watertrail system. These images illustrate the raised walkway in context with the adjoining railroad and daily tidal action.