What has 103 acres, killer views of the Shawangunk Ridge and the Wallkill River, and is arguably the most valuable piece of undeveloped land in Gardiner? It’s a site owned by all of us who live and pay taxes in Gardiner. Located at the end of Steve’s Lane, it is all but hidden by the presence of the Transfer Station, which occupies only about 17 acres. The rest of the land is still wild and undeveloped.
Coincidentally, there has been interest in this land coming from several quarters at the same time. There is a group that has interest in a dog park. There are folks who want to create walking and riding trails that could hook up with the Rail Trail. And of course, the fishers, boaters and picnic lovers have expressed an interest, too.
On July 17th when ten people gathered at the Gardiner Library to address the possibility of starting a world-class outdoor sculpture park, the town’s spectacular land along the Wallkill was discussed once again; it happens to have views of the ridge, and happens to be close to an industrial zone that actually produces these kinds of large-scale works of art (see World Trade Center article, pg. 1). This group discussed the possibility of beginning small, with a temporary exhibition produced (hopefully) in collaboration with SUNY New Paltz, and though the venue is still up in the air, the land at the transfer station does seem ideal.
Greg Glasson, a Gardiner resident who is the principle of Glasson Sculpture, has taken the lead in meeting with SUNY representatives and locals interested in the idea. If you’d like to get involved with the sculpture part of the project, please contact Greg at: gglasson@hvc.rr.com.
A trip of 1,000 miles begins with one step! If you are interested, or know anyone who might be interested in designing and creating a multipurpose park on these 103 amazing acres, please come to the Library on Wednesday, October 20th, at 7:30 to join in a discussion of possibilities. Call Laurie Willow for more information at 255-7827.