How about a story of transformation? This is Scenic Hudson Park at Irvington. It’s a place where community spirit bloomed from a contaminated industrial site.
Once upon a time, this land was destined for a mega-housing development. Picture 248 housing units looming over the waterfront. The Village of Irvington had other ideas. They envisioned a public riverfront where everyone could enjoy magnificent views.
The story begins with a phone call. Irvington’s mayor, Dennis Flood, contacted Scenic Hudson. He told them about Tishman Speyer’s plans for the waterfront parcels. David Sampson suggested that Dennis reach out to Scenic Hudson.
Mayor Flood and Scenic Hudson met with Tishman Speyer. They negotiated a six-week option for Scenic Hudson and the village to buy the properties. Tishman Speyer agreed to assign their agreements if they succeeded. The village was determined to prevent the development.
Scenic Hudson mobilized funding to acquire the land. They entered a cooperative ownership agreement. The village committed at least $3.6 million to clean up the contaminated site and build a park. Scenic Hudson rescued the village.
The park project cost over $11 million. The village paid for or raised all the money. Part of the funding came from the state’s first brownfield remediation program grant to a municipality.
Before becoming a park, 75% of the site was a lumber mill. The northern part housed a school bus garage which is now Irvington’s senior center. Environmental investigations revealed limited contamination near the bus garage. The lumberyard’s septic system and leach field had significant contamination.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation wanted the site in the brownfield program. More extensive investigation and a remedial plan were needed. Elevated levels of lead were found in the leach field. There was also low-level contamination. Protective measures were crucial because it would become a park.
The site was covered with a geo-composite liner. An impermeable layer underneath prevented rainwater from draining through contaminated soil into the river. A drainage system was placed on top of the clay mat and clean soil for vegetation.
This landfill technology was adapted for a park. The public desired active recreation. The village already had a passive park, Matthiessen Park. The plan incorporated two ballfields.
The park fulfills residents’ needs. Team meetings included landscape architects and engineers. Everyone contributed constructively.
Remnants of the lumberyard were apparent. Concrete pavement extended over the water, supported by timber piles. A collapsed section inspired the gentle rocky edge that meets the river. The shoreline’s gentle slope eliminated the need for a railing. The park and visitors feel one with the river.
Work began in 1997 and finished in 2001. A major challenge was the shallow soil. Only two feet were available for planting trees and installing utilities. Judicious soil management minimized costs and truck traffic.
Today, Scenic Hudson Park at Irvington attracts baseball players and those seeking quiet walks. The trees have matured despite the shallow soil. The lack of irrigation lets the grass brown out in summer.
In 2017, Scenic Hudson transferred their interest in the land to the village. The village granted Scenic Hudson a conservation easement. This arrangement became a template for new riverfront parks.
Irvington’s mayor, Brian Smith, expressed gratitude for Scenic Hudson’s support. The project wouldn’t have happened without them.
So, as you stroll through Scenic Hudson Park at Irvington, remember its remarkable transformation. It stands as a testament to community collaboration. It shows a shared vision can turn a contaminated site into a beautiful and vibrant space for all.