Haverstraw Recreation Complex Receives NYSRPS Exceptional Park Design Award

Phase 1 included:

▪ Site work for the entire property such as grading, drainage, and detention basins for stormwater management.
▪ Walking trails with accessible paths that encircle the perimeter of the property and provide access to the facilities.
▪ Two (2) dog parks; one (1) for small dogs and one (1) for large dogs.
▪ Multi-purpose synthetic turf field and stadium with bleacher for football, soccer, and lacrosse.
▪ Baseball / Softball synthetic turf field for Challenger Little League and little league baseball / softball.
▪ Gate house building, handicap bathrooms, concession stands.
▪ Maintenance building, garage, and yard area for equipment.

Future phases of development will include:
▪ Pickle ball courts.
▪ Additional synthetic turf fields.
▪ Playground equipment and picnic shelter.
▪ Small water spray park area.
▪ Possible skateboard park.
▪ Multi-purpose building.

The Town’s goals were to create a park that could be utilized by all community members regardless of their age, physical abilities, or interests. The planning process was detailed and inclusive of numerous community leaders, youth development coordinators, residents, and other project stakeholders. The community input process and the numerous meetings enabled the SCE Design team to collaborate with Town Administrators and residents to develop a design vision that was not only creative and aesthetically appealing, but interactive and provided activities for future park users of all ages and abilities.

In addition, the design team emphasized the need to preserve and enhance the existing wetlands, wooded areas, and rolling terrain in portions of the site. Many large trees near the outer perimeter of the site provide natural canopy and much needed shade. Proposed landscape design includes the installation of numerous evergreen and deciduous shade trees that will mature and further enhance the aesthetics of the large park site.

The park site and athletic facilities were also designed to meet the needs of the Local Youth Organizations and athletic programs. This new multi-purpose synthetic turf field is now the home field for these Local Youth Organizations. The state of the art synthetic turf field, sports lighting, field house buildings with restrooms and concession areas, and the bleacher systems provide a much needed athletic facility that will be utilized by the school district and Local Youth Organizations. The development of this entire park site has offered the Town residents and community members new additional active and passive recreation facilities where they can bring their families to recreate, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors.

During the COVID-19 pandemic many communities realized the importance of outdoor parks and recreation facilities. This project was in the master planning and design phases during the pandemic and the layout and design of outdoor gathering spaces and multiple types of park uses were included in the Master Plan. The overall park design provides an accessible and low maintenance space for socially distant outdoor gatherings, recreation activities, and programmed events which are extremely valuable for the Physical and Mental Health of the residents of the Town if Haverstraw and the community in which it serves.