ALBANY – Open Space Institute has been awarded $500,000 in state funding toward construction of a new 2.7-mile multi-use trail and major improvement to the Otterkill Road trailhead at Schunnemunk State Park in Orange County.
The trail will meander through the park’s meadows and hayfields that run along the Moodna Creek.
Work will expand recreational access to a section of OSI-protected land that was recently added to the Schunnemunk State Park, and create an accessible, four-season recreational experience in the western Hudson Highlands for walkers, runners, hikers, bikers, anglers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers.
OSI will also be partnering with cadets from West Point to design and build a bridge along the trail.
Initial major support for the project’s design was provided through the leadership of Dr. Lucy Walezky.
With the investment of state funding, OSI has secured $1.2 million toward the $1.7 million vision for phase one of the trail and will continue private fundraising efforts to bring the plan to fruition.
