Oakdale Park Playground
Location
Hudson, NY
Status
Designing
Construction Completion
2027
Site Area
.75-acre project within a 14-acre park
Construction Cost
$1.28 million
People Served
5,735
Design Consultants
Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners
Special Features
Inclusive playground, picnic pavilion, improved trails
The historic riverfront City of Hudson, home to approximately 5,700 residents, is undergoing a transformation driven by a combination of economic development, community initiatives, and changes in its cultural landscape. This transition presents challenges for the city and its residents, a significant portion of whom are low income. Almost a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line and many more are rent burdened and vulnerable to rising housing costs.
Park facilities for lower income residents – especially recreation facilities for youth – are dilapidated and need attention. NCP was invited to provide technical and public finance assistance to Friends of Hudson Youth (FoHY) and the City of Hudson to upgrade the Oakdale Park playground.
Oakdale is the only large, forested, park area with lake access in Hudson. It also serves as the site of a summer camp for 5- to 8-year-olds, run by FoHY and the City's Youth Department. The camp serves low-income children from across Columbia County and provides free transportation, breakfast and lunch to make it easier for families.
FoHY and NCP are working with the community and design consultants on a plan to modernize and upgrade the playground area to include new play equipment, a picnic area with pavilion, a bathroom, a nature play area, new plantings and improved pathways.
Proposed concept plan for Oakdale Park. Courtesy of Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners.
