Sojourner Truth State Park Waterfront Improvement Project

OLIN was commissioned by non-profit Scenic Hudson to develop a design strategy for the transformation of a former industrial and mining site into a new 520-acre park in Kingston and Ulster County, New York, along the Hudson River. The park’s size will enable opportunities for a range of outdoor experiences from intimate hikes and family gatherings to larger community events. The park features historical remnants of brickmaking, limestone extraction and cement processing, and ice harvesting industries. The adapted structures and sublime quarried canyons reveal industrial hallmarks of the Hudson Valley’s critical role in New York State’s development while demonstrating a forward-thinking future of climate adaptation and unique disturbance ecologies.

Arising from the analysis and framework strategies, the Waterfront Improvement and Phase 1 Enhancements project which opened in November 2023. This project provides an accessible shade structure, storage area, interpretive signage, and seasonal restrooms at a restored river platform along a spur from the Empire State Trail. Hardy native plant communities suited to site conditions help absorb stormwater, mitigate erosion, and bolster the ecological value of the river terrace. The project also includes additional interpretive signage and rest areas along the new upper access road and trails. OLIN worked closely with Scenic Hudson, the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, and the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission to ensure the design meets the goals and criteria of these early action projects in the new state park.

Location
Ulster County, NY

Owner
New York State, managed by Scenic Hudson

Status
Completed 2023

Key Team Members
Richard Roark, Partner
Marni Burns, Partner
Nate Wooten, Project Manager
Kate Lawler, Visual Communications Manager