Governor Announces Kingston’s First State Park

By Miranda Reale

KINGSTON – New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the first State Park in the city of Kingston on Monday afternoon, February 28. The last day of February marked the end of Black History Month, but in alignment with the mission of Black History Month Kingston and its partners Harambee Kingston and My Kingston Kids, a particular piece of Black history will become memorialized with the planning of the first State Park in the city, named for 19th century suffragist and abolitionist Sojourner Truth.

During the first week in February, Black History Kingston organized the lighting of the Ulster County office building at which Frank Waters, lead organizer of Black History Kingston, pointed out the absence of the word “month” from its title. “Black History Kingston, there is no ‘month’ because Black history is all year round,” Waters said while introducing the lighting event on February 1st.

On what has stood as industrial property, the cement plants and brickyards along North Street will be transformed into 500 acres of trails along the Hudson River. The announcement of the Sojourner Truth State Park was a remarkable way to end February and begin the month of March, which commences Women’s History Month.

Governor Hochul echoed this sentiment saying, “It is fitting such a magnificent property with its cliffs and Hudson shoreline bears the name of a remarkable woman who started life right here in Ulster County.”

Partnered with the not-for-profit environmental group Scenic Hudson, State Parks moved to protect the property that had previously been proposed to become a subdivision development, state parks commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. Purchasing the property for $13.5 million, the state utilized the funds from the Environmental Protection Fund. Scenic Hudson intends to create “an oasis for recreation and exploring nature at a former cement facility [that] will improve the health and quality of life of city residents.”

The new park will add to the continuous economic revitalization of Kingston and will serve as a permanent testament to Sojourner Truth’s life and lasting legacy in the city.

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan officially declared the first of February 2022 as Black History Month in Kingston, and recognized this year’s national theme of Black Health and Wellness. In this light, Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement was fitting to the mission of Ulster County officials and community organizers who have been developing the county’s commitment to mental and physical wellness over the past few years. The Sojourner Truth State Park will provide a physical memorandum of this work and provide a safe space to enhance the welfare of residents and visitors both mentally and physically.

Kingston is a rare mix of urban sprawl and rural areas, but often the industrial etchings left over from the past overshadows the city’s ability to provide for open spaces that are easily accessible.

In attendance alongside Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Noble added, “After years of sitting neglected, this unique urban property will, for the first time, be open for Kingston residents to access its breathtaking views, incredible trails, and beautiful Hudson River waterfront…”