John Robinson. Photo by Francine Grinnell, The Saratogian
Hudson Crossing Park was honored to have John Robinson, the founder of Our Ability, an online resource for people with disabilities, serve as a special speaker at the ribbon cutting. John, born a congenital amputee, uses a specially adapted bicycle with guards made by Hanger Prosthetics of Albany to accommodate the shorter length of his arms. "We want people to get outside again. Whether challenged with handicaps or not, we want to encourage people to get out and enjoy nature," Robinson said. "If you have a goal, set it and experience it."
Grant awards totaling $297,037 were received from the Department of State through the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) for the design and construction of the Sensory Trail and the Alfred Z. Solomon Kayak Launch. The construction of these projects were identified as priority projects in the Old Saratoga on the Hudson Waterfront Revitalization Plan, which was previously funded through a $35,000 EPF LWRP award from the Department of State.
In addition to LWRP awards to the Town of Northumberland, Hudson Crossing Park was awarded $20,000 from the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, $5,000 from the Hudson River Valley Greenway, and $5,000 from the Hudson River Improvement Fund of the Hudson River Foundation. The Schuylerville Lions Club contributed an additional $1,000 for touchable bird sculptures that are found along the trail
Thank you to the many people and organizations whose generous contributions have made these projects possible:
Saratoga National Historical Park, New York State Dept. of State, New York State Canal Corporation, Town of Northumberland, Town of Saratoga, Hudson River Valley Greenway, Hudson River Foundation, Solomon Charitable Trust, Lakes to Locks Passage, Schuylerville Lions Club, Broestler Brush Cutting, Saratoga Bridges, Dick Dretch (NPS), Joe Craig (NPS), Donald Cook Studios
Hudson Crossing Park Volunteers: Mike Bielkiewicz, Kent Wian, Bill Sprengnether, Darryl Dumas, George Hodgson, and many more!
