State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey (podium) among the speakers (photo: Irving Solero)
LLOYD – The new $5.4 million Ulster Welcoming Center at the western gateway to the Walkway Over the Hudson was officially opened on Friday as public officials from both sides of the Hudson River gathered to mark the occasion.
The 3,500-square-foot center includes a plaza, amphitheater, patio, concession
stand and public restrooms.
“Our area has breathtaking four-season destinations welcoming visitors to Ulster County and the entire Hudson Valley is critical to growing our billion dollar tourism economy,” said Ulster County Executive Michael Hein. “This new welcome center will undoubtedly be a valuable amenity.”
Lloyd Town Supervisor Paul Hansut said they are “proud that our Hudson Valley Rail Trail is the link that connects the Walkway to the rest of the Ulster County rail trail system and the western portion of the Empire State Trail.” He said the new welcome center “provides important enhancements to the visitor experience.”
Next spring a second welcome center, the Dutchess Welcome Center on the
eastern approach to the Walkway, will open in time for the park’s
10th anniversary celebration in 2019.
