By Eric Harvey
June 10, 2025

One day before June 7’s National Trails Day, New City Parks (NCP) announced it was awarded funding from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program to improve the trail system in the City of Peekskill’s Depew Park.

In a press release from June 6, NCP said the $75,000 grant will support its efforts to more clearly mark trails with blazes, inventory and improve key trails, and create welcoming trailheads with kiosks, signage, and markers to invite urban dwellers and a new generation of visitors outdoors.

Founder and executive director of NCP Rose Harvey said, “Depew’s trails represent an all-too-rare treasure, a vast forest preserve within walking distance from a dense city downtown. Our goal is to ensure that all of Peekskill’s 25,000 residents, especially youth and their families, can get out into nature.”

The NCP said it forged its partnership with Peekskill in 2024 to assist with overall improvements of the popular 176-acre Depew Park. Plans include refurbishing the tennis and basketball courts, barbecue and picnic areas, adding opportunities to play soccer, and improving pathways to make the park bike and pedestrian friendly. The need to improve the park’s vast trail network as well as its internal connections to Westchester County’s Blue Mountain Reservation emerged as a key priority, NCP said.

City of Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie said, “While Peekskill is one of the fastest growing municipalities in all of New York State, our proximity to incredible natural resources really sets us apart. But just because something is close doesn’t mean it is accessible. This funding will help us truly connect with our residents with their outdoor treasures.”

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said he was proud to see the partnership expanding access for Peekskill residents and commended the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Land Trust Alliance for supporting the work.

“Westchester County’s park system is more than just a collection of green spaces — it’s a source of natural beauty, joy and community,” Jenkins said. “Ensuring all of our residents can access and enjoy these spaces remains a top priority.”

With assistance from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference and informed by the City’s Conservation and Parks Advisory Committees, New City Parks hopes to install the first kiosk later this summer and continue trail assessments this year.