Scenic Hudson and Newburgh city officials are joined by residents
in celebrating the restoration of Crystal Lake
NEWBURGH – After a yearlong restoration, the historic Crystal Lake
in the City of Newburgh opened to the public on Saturday.
A number of public and private stakeholders collaborated to bring the
lake back to life for residents, namely Scenic Hudson and the City of
Newburgh. Scenic Hudson Senior Vice President Steve Rosenberg marveled
at the progress that was made.
“We celebrate the Newburgh community for coming together to restore
this special place,” he said.
Rosenberg discussed the history of the lake and how he was first taken
there by longtime Newburgh philanthropist Bill Kaplan.
“He brought me personally to Crystal Lake about seven or eight years
ago, and it looked nothing like it does today,” Rosenberg said.
“Few remember what Crystal Lake was like from the 1940s through
the 1970s. This was the destination in the city for swimming, fishing,
picnicking and recreation.”
Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey extended his congratulations to everyone
who worked on the project.
“It takes many hands, many minds and one goal,” he said, quoting
a Chinese proverb, “and that goal has been achieved. It’s
about knowing and understanding that when we come together, anything can
be done.”
City Councilman Anthony Grice reflected on the history of the lake and
the pollution that once existed there.
“I was here a long time ago when they were doing illegal dumping.
There was litter here,” he said. “I think that now people
are going to start thinking more positively about our lakes and watersheds
and what they can do here.”
Younger generations of Newburgh residents also got involved in the cleanup
project. Angelica Ramirez, a student at Excelsior Academy, gave a speech
in Spanish to the crowd and explained afterwards why she got involved.
“I’m glad that Crystal Lake has become what it was,”
she said. “I’m originally from Mexico and I want to encourage
Spanish people to come here and get involved in the community.”
In addition to Scenic Hudson and the City of Newburgh, local businesses,
schools, groups and dedicated city residents got involved in the cleanup
of Crystal Lake. Critical funding for the project was provided by Scenic
Hudson Land Trust Board member Wheelock Whitney III.
