Kingston’s first Block Party in Celebration of Diversity will feature music, dance, comedy, children’s activities, food and drinks at T.R. Gallo West Strand Park from 1 to 5 p.m. June 9.

Reher Bakery

The free, “family friendly” event — hosted by the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History and featuring at least 12 community organizations — will celebrate Kingston’s rich cultural heritage, Reher Center Chairman Geoff Miller said.

“The Rondout area has always been rimmed by distinct ethnic neighborhoods,” Miller said. “But these enclaves all came together for generations to frequent the many businesses that once lined both sides of lower Broadway and East and West Strand. Who didn’t buy their shoes at Yallum’s or savor a fresh roll from the Reher Bakery after church on Sunday?” ”That cross-cultural connection is what the block party is about — bringing people together from all over Kingston, no matter what their cultural background, to celebrate ethnic diversity and just have a good time,” Miller said.

Participating groups sharing their customs and ways of life include the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Bruderhof Communities, Chabad of Ulster County, Faith Church of God, Friends of Historic Kingston, the Hellenic Youth Dance Group, Humanamente, the Irish Cultural Center, the Jewish Federation of Ulster County, La Voz magazine, the New Progressive Baptist Church, Somos la Llave and Sons of Norway.

The groups represent Kingston’s African-American, Greek-American, Irish-American, Jewish-American, Latino-American and Norwegian-American cultures. Other groups are invited to join.

A wide variety of ethnic foods will be available for purchase, as will “all-American” foods such as hamburgers and hot dogs. Children’s activities will include arts and crafts, games, singing and storytelling.

We’re excited so many different groups said they would participate,” Miller said, calling cultural diversity a “gift” and the block party “an opportunity for sharing and building relationships cross-culturally.”

The event will he held, rain or shine. Seating is informal, so please bring blankets or folding chairs, Miller said.

This year’s party is a featured event in the state’s June 8-9 Heritage Weekend, part of New York’s Path Through History initiative (paththroughhistory.ny.gov) showcasing the state’s history and cultural significance.

For more information about the block party, go to the Reher Center’s Facebook page,facebook.com/ReherBakery, or contact Geoff Miller at 845-332-0258 or at gwm2230@yahoo.com.

The post Kingston’s 1st Block Party in Celebration of Diversity appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

 The famed Sinterklaas Celebration that has drawn thousands to Rhinebeck is going Bi-coastal for the second year and coming to Kingston to thrill and delight the children and the young at heart of Kingston. In the story, Kingston will play the role of Spain as a procession of giant puppets, stars, fish, flags, boats, and the great Hudson River itself will travel down Broadway participating in the story of Sinterklaas’ arrival in the Hudson Valley.  Kingston’s Rondout plays a major role in the story of Sinterklaas! According to Legend, Sinterklaas came to Holland from Spain. In our HISTORIC RE-CREATION of the Sinterklaas myth,Kingston will play the role of Spain and Rhinecliff the arrival point in Holland!

What is Sinterklaas

We are honoring our Dutch heritage by recreating customs that the settlers from Holland brought to the Hudson Valley. The Dutch people who came to here over 300 years ago brought a celebration with them that was already a deeply rooted part of their traditions.

The ritual was simple enough. Each year on December 6 (that’s the Dutch tradition, ours begins the first Saturday after Thanksgiving as we bid farewell to Sinterklaas sailing off to the Netherlands from Spain), a town resident dressed up as Sinterklaas (that is, elegantly garbed in a bishop’s tall hat, red cape,  shiny ring, and jeweled staff). Mounted on a white steed, this Sinterklaas would ride through town knocking on doors late at night. He would be accompanied by his long-time sidekick, the Grumpus. Also known as Black Peter, the Grumpus — a wild looking half-man, half-beast character — rattled chains and threatened to steal away the naughtiest children in his big black bag. And for those “less bad” he had switches for exacting lesser punishments! And for the good children — Sinterklaas and the Grumpus would deliver a bag of goodies.

Over the years, as towns developed and houses grew closer together, Sinterklaas’ ride turned into a Parade that still happens in Holland to this day, and is the most popular of all Dutch holidays.

***SINTERKLAAS SCHEDULE***

 Crowns & Branches Workshop

Friday, November 23, 1-4pm
Saturday, November 24, 11am-3pm
Where every child becomes a King or Queen as they create their own crowns and branches.

Hudson River Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing
Museum open TreeSpecial donation tree.    Bring new mittens to decorate the tree

Saturday All afternoon

11:00am-5:30pm:
Kingston Catholic School Carolers , Mid-Hudson Juggling Club, Grumpuses cavorting about, the Pocket Lady in her mysterious treasure-filled coat, face-painting, photo booth, music, and vote for your favorite decorated tree in the Rondout Tree Trail (look for the Tree Trail Handouts with a ballot to vote for your favorite tree!).

Noon -3:15pm Performances/Events/Happenings
Noon-5:00pm: Trolley & Maritime Museum
1:30-3:30pm: Roam the streets and meet Carolers, grumbling grumpuses, the town crier, pocket lady and more
3:30pm: Parade Steps off as we escort Sinterklaas down, the hill, accompanied by sparkling stars, wind wheels and undulating waves on our magical journey. Kids: wear your

Crowns and carry your Branches. Grown-ups: illuminate their way with your Sinterklaas stars! At the end we’ll bid farewell to Sinterklaas as he is launched across the mighty HudsonRiver and is taken to the Arrival Procesion in Rhinecliff!

 5:15pm: Tree Lighting at the Visitors’ Center.

 Open Houses, Business Specials, and Rondout Tree Trail

 Agustsson Gallery, 176 Broadway
2-6pm The Unveiling of our Large Scale Chess Set & Tree Trail

Arts Society of Kingston, 97 Broadway
1:30pm Storytelling by Karen Pillsworth
2:30pm The music of Los Viejos de la Torre

The Storefront Gallery, 93 Broadway
Noon-3:30pm Say Cheese at The Storefront Gallery – Open house serving Dutch Cheese and get your photo taken in a vintage style Photo Booth & Tree Trail

Don Vito’s Pizzeria, 83 Broadway
Noon-1:00pm Build a Cupcake Bar by JJ’s Rockin Cupcakes

At Home Antiques, 81 Broadway
At Home for the Holidays:
Noon-2:00pm Family Cookie Decorating with a Pro (bring your creativity to our gallery, we’ll supply the rest!!)
Noon-6:00pm OPEN HOUSE with delicious treats—Holiday Gift Sale (with something for everyone at every price range) Find antique presents with past! & Tree Trail

Mezzanine Antiques, 79 Broadway
11am-5pm Open House and Stocking Stuffer Sale & Tree Trail

TheGreenSpace, 73B Broadway
11am-5pm  Open House & Tree Trail

Karmabee, 73A Broadway
11am-5pm Open House and Holiday Card Sale & Tree Trail

Madden’s Fine Wines & Spirits, 65 Broadway
3-5pm Spanish Wine Tasting

Pat’s Tats, 4 West Union Street
noon-4pm  Open House & Tree Trail

On the Hill Antiques @ Skillypot, 41 Broadway
11am-5pm Open House & Tree Trail

Dolce, 27 Broadway
8am-4pm Restaurant open serving homemade hot cocoa, espresso drinks, homemade baked goods & more.-Tree Trail

Vetere Real Estate, 37 Broadway
11am-5pm Open House serving light pastries of Dutch delights and Netherlands Spirits! & Tree Trail

Hot Towel Barbers, 33 Broadway
11am-5pm Open House & Tree Trail

Rondout Music Lounge, 21 Broadway, 12-6pm Tree Trail
4:30pm Music by the Momma’s Boys & Tree Trail

Savona’s Trattoria, 11 Broadway
noon-5:00pm Gift Card Promotion. Buy first gift card regular price second one half off.

Visitors’ Center, 20 Broadway
5:15pm Tree Lighting Ceremony/Tree Trail and Raffle winners announced. Tree donated by David and Barbara Loeding. Lighting donated by Herzogs. Cut and hauled by Joe Russello.

Trolley Museum, 89 East Strand
Noom-4pm Museum Open and limited trolley rides 12:30-1:15pm The Old Double E performing in #358 Trolley Car at the foot of Broadway

Special Thanks to: The Old Dutch Church of Kingston sponsors the Scions of Patria as the Rondout Grumpuses! Greet the roaming grumpuses for your gift of gold – if you’ve been good.

The post Sinterklaas Schedule appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

On Friday October 19^th,  the shops and galleries on Lower Broadway look forward to entertaining visitors with various food and drink, numerous art openings, music events, vintage and antique collectibles, outdoor movies, and off-beat music.

Studio Stu will bring his Studivarious, a single string, virtuosic, ten-ply maple, washtub bass to the street.  His solo act is pure entertainment combining his original jazz style and unique Brooklyn humor.  Add to that a willingness to navigate uncharted paths through the improvisational wilderness; he is ‘el ultimo hombre del lounge’.

View the Storefront Gallery’s show of Rita Sherry’s show titled, Evocations: prints, sculptures and paintings of birds, bears, monkeys, little people, and ensembles.  While there, join the family in posing for a fun holiday greeting card at the vintage-inspired Photo Booth.

Mid-block, cruise through the Parisian style antiques market set up outside At Home Antiques and Mezzanine Antiques.  Shop for interesting furniture, art, toys and assorted “collectibles”.  A few steps away at Karmabee, some of its Hudson Valley artisans will show off their unique crafts, a perfect place to pick up handmade gifts for the holidays.  At 7:30pm, Pam and Jorge, well-known for their popular dance classes, will offer free salsa-dancing lessons outside Karmabee. Come give it a try!

Local artist Chris Gonyea returns with his Tekki-Torch art and his one-man outdoor theatre of vintage movies.  Pat’s Tats will host an open house to introduce her new location.  And the newest Rondout shop TheGreenSpace puts New York-made food products front and center.   Last but not least, catch the many facets of the moods, feelings and personalities of the feminine figure in nude form at Agustsson Gallery ‘s sculpture show “The Feminine Mystique”.

So come down to the Kingston waterfront.  Catch some up-beat music. Shop early for the holidays.  The Night Market runs from 6 PM to 10PM, on Lower Broadway between McEntee & West Union Streets. Rain date: Oct. 26^th.

For more info, contact B.C. Gee at  845-339-6925

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Kingston will get to experience a little bit of its history as the Rondout plays a part in the non-denominational and Dutch heritage of New York State. The festivities kick off on Friday at a workshop at the Maritime Museum, where children and adults can make regal crowns and scepters made out of branches to carry in the parade.  Then join us on Saturday, November 24 for a day of open houses in all the shops, music, a workshop creating beautiful crowns and branches and a visit from Sinterklaas himself.  In addition to Sinterklaas, there will be a cast of characters roaming through Downtown that afternoon including the Pocket Lady (a fanciful dowager who allows children to pick little surprises from the pocket of her coat) and a group of Grumpuses, the wild men who guard Sinterklaas.

The day culminates with a parade down Broadway where we will send Sinterklaas and his white horse off on a tugboat across the river to his destination in Rhinecliff. As we move into the evening, there will be activities throughout the Rondout and special offers at restaurants with the lighting of the tree at dusk at the Downtown Visitors Center.

On both Friday and Saturday, the bustling and beautiful workshops will be from 1:00–3:30 pm for children of all ages (must be accompanied by an adult) to create their Crowns and Branches at the Maritime Museum (Friday) and the Rondout Youth Center (Saturday). Hundreds of handsome branches will be laid out alongside lots of beautiful and fanciful materials—jewels, ribbons, glitter, lace, streamers, wonderfilm — with which the children can create their Royal garb! At the end of the day each child has something to carry in the Parade and to take home with them.

What is the meaning of the Crowns and Branches that are made by and carried by the children in the Parade? Since St. Nicholas loved children so much, it makes sense on his name day that children, who at all other times of the year are the least authoritative people in society, are turned into the most powerful for just one day. Children are crowned kings and queens!

The birch rod—the indispensable instrument of medieval education— is transformed by the power of imagination and art into a symbol of empowerment and love. The birch rod becomes the Royal Scepter, a symbol of creative power in the hands of today’s children.

What is Sinterklaas?

We are honoring our Dutch heritage by recreating customs that the settlers from Holland brought to the Hudson Valley. The Dutch people who came to here over 300 years ago brought a celebration with them that was already a deeply rooted part of their traditions.

The ritual was simple enough. Each year on December 6 (that’s the Dutch tradition, ours begins the first Saturday after Thanksgiving as we bid farewell to Sinterklaas sailing off to the Netherlands from Spain), a town resident dressed up as Sinterklaas (that is, elegantly garbed in a bishop’s tall hat, red cape,  shiny ring, and jeweled staff). Mounted on a white steed, this Sinterklaas would ride through town knocking on doors late at night. He would be accompanied by his long-time sidekick, the Grumpus. Also known as Black Peter, the Grumpus — a wild looking half-man, half-beast character — rattled chains and threatened to steal away the naughtiest children in his big black bag. And for those “less bad” he had switches for exacting lesser punishments! And for the good children — Sinterklaas and the Grumpus would deliver a bag of goodies.

Over the years, as towns developed and houses grew closer together, Sinterklaas’ ride turned into a Parade that still happens in Holland to this day, and is the most popular of all Dutch holidays.

The post Sinterklaas Kingston Celebrates Second Year! appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

Hudson River Day” is a special day designated to collectively celebrate the Hudson River and its tributaries along with the vibrant and diverse communities of the Hudson Valley region.
Come down to the historic Rondout waterfront in downtown Kingston for our own “Hudson River Day” event, Saturday, July 21, from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Lighthouse tours:
Both the Rondout and the Esopus-Meadows Lighthouses will be offering guided tours.
Rondout will be at 10:00 and 11:30 am; Esopus-Meadows will be at 1:00 pm. Fees and reservations apply for each.
12:30 Official Groundbreaking:
The highlight of Saturday’s celebration will be the official groundbreaking ceremony at 12:30 pm for the much anticipated “Kingston Home Port and Education Center” which will serve as the winter home for the sloop Clearwater. It is built in partnership with the museum on the grounds of the Hudson River Maritime Museum.

Discounted admission:
The museum is offering “discounted admission” to tour the exhibits. Free admission is offered to the museum’s courtyard, informational booths, musical performances, deck tours, and children’s art show and activities unless otherwise noted. Charges for other activities, such as tours of the Rondout and Esopus-Meadows lighthouses; photo booth; model boat building; and food vendors, will be posted.

Clearwater Public Sail: Clearwater Sunset Sail and Music Jam:
6:00 – 8:00 pm – Passengers are invited to bring musical instruments and join in a pick up jam aboard Clearwater. For registration and tickets, contact Catherine Stankowski, 845.265.8080, ext. 7107, Sched@Clearwater.org or to register online click here.
Related activities continue on Sunday, July 22

Tour “The Face of Work TODAY in the Hudson Valley” exhibit, sponsored by Ulster Savings Bank, with the co-curators, Russell and Allynne Lange at 3:30 pm; then from5:00 – 7:00 pm, take a public sail on the Clearwater and listen to a lively onboard presentation by Lisa Berger, Ulster County Tourism, about the impact of cultural tourism in Ulster County and New York State. For registration and tickets, contact Catherine Stankowski, 845.265.8080, ext. 7107, Sched@Clearwater.org or to register online click here.
Clam & Jam! Fundraiser on the Pennsy 399 Barge
Join with the Pennsy Barge Collective for their 2nd “Clam & Jam” Fundraiser from 5:00 – 8:00 pm featuring “clams and beer for your belly and music for your soul”. The Ivory Brothers Band will provide the rhythm. Keegan Ales beer will sell for $5; $10 will get you clams, corn and potatoes. For more info about the historic covered railroad barge and its restoration efforts, visit www.pennsy399.org.
For more information about “Hudson River Day”, please visit www.hrmm.org and click on “Upcoming Events”.

The post Hudson River Day appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

KINGSTON, N.Y.

Dining, shopping and reveling in a patriot celebration are at the forefront of this year’s festivities.

Kingston Mayor Shayne Gallo encourages people to “spend the day enjoying all the historic Rondout district has to offer. You can take a stroll on our waterfront promenade, explore the Trolley and Maritime Museums or simply shop and dine while you wait for the fantastic fireworks display to start.”

The impressive fireworks display is sponsored by Mainetti, Mainetti and O’Connor, P.C., a law firm in Kingston.

“The City of Kingston and the surrounding community has given a lot to us,” said attorney Joseph O’Connor.  “We feel fortunate to be in a position to give something back and we feel that sponsoring the fireworks is something that everyone can enjoy and we’re happy to do it.”

With so much to see and do in this historic waterfront section of New York State’s first capital city, visitors will want to arrive early to stroll along the waterfront promenade and through the shops, art galleries, antique stores and two museums that line the streets.

Bring the family and enjoy outdoor dining at Dermot Mahoney’s Irish Pub, Mariner’s, Ship to Shore or Savona’s Trattoria while 92.9 WBMP and the classic rock band, Hot Rod, play music from the ’50s through the ’90s in TR Gallo Park.

Before the dazzling display in the summer sky a patriotic address will be given by Kingston Historian Ed Ford, United States Serviceman Daniel McShea will lead the crowd in the Pledge of Alliance and Terri Dwyer will perform a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Samir Hrichi, Chef/Owner of Ship To Shore Restaurant and one of the organizers of this year’s family oriented, all-American celebration, said, “I’m excited to be a part of this year’s Independence Day celebration, especially since we are celebrating it on the actual Fourth. This will be my 14th year on the waterfront and I don’t think there is a better place to celebrate than in the first capital of New York State.  I’ll even be creating a classic All-American menu for the occasion available all day and night!”

Further down the Strand, revelers will want to arrive early for creek-side dining and boat watching from the spacious back decks at the Steel House and Rosita’s.

In honor of the holiday the Hudson River Maritime Museum will enjoy extended hours and discounted admission. Public Relations Director Lana Chassman said: “Bring your friends, family and picnic blankets and join us at the best seat on the creek for the fireworks at 9:30.”

Make New York’s first capital your homeport for fun this Fourth of July. Celebrate in a city that remembers what the day is all about: A salute to our founding fathers and all those who continue to fight for and protect our freedoms. Bring your family and your flag for a day on Kingston’s waterfront.

For more information, visit www.UlsterCountyAlive.com

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Looking across the East Gallery

The Hudson River Maritime Museum, located at 50 Rondout Landing, opens its doors on Saturday, May 5, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, and will remain open for the 2012 season until November 4.  Beginning Wednesday, June 6, the museum will be open on Wednesday evenings “late ‘til 8:00 pm” for those who want to “rendezvous on the Rondout” — enjoy dinner, take a creekside stroll and visit the museum and gift shop.

Staff and volunteers are inviting everyone to come downtown to the historic waterfront district of Kingston, and tour the museum’s enhanced exhibit

installations and the three featured exhibitions for this season:

“The Face of Work TODAY in the Hudson Valley”, sponsored by Ulster Savings Bank, presents a continuation of last year’s exhibit with the addition of thought-provoking themes and images of work spanning into the 21^st century.  By examining seven different segments of the economy:  manufacturing, natural resources, agriculture, energy, healthcare, tourism, transportation and shipping – a more specific understanding of how our economy has evolved in the past century is revealed.

A view of the TUGS! exhibition in the East Gallery at the Hudson River Maritime Museum

“TUGS!”, a mini-exhibition, takes advantage of some of the museum’s archival boat models and photographs depicting the tug industry and  “Fishing the Hudson” presents fishing equipment, archival photographs and information on the declining shad population.

Visitors to the museum will notice several other cosmetic changes:  new windows and carpet as well as freshly painted walls in the museum’s popular Gift Shop where one will find new merchandise and interesting books focused on the Hudson River and its history. Outside, the docks have been reinstalled, the window boxes have been planted and the courtyard garden has been freshly pruned and mulched by dedicated volunteers.

The 2012 season promises to be full of lectures, events and special offerings to the community.  Visit our web site often for schedule updates and additional information – www.hrmm.org or call 845.338.0071.

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The Museum’s partnership with the Clearwater, an extended season and expanded open hours have spurred the museum to evaluate programs, creating innovative methods to teach regional history, better serving schools and the general public.

“The lighthouses are key to understanding our history,” explained Wassberg. “Not only do they provide insight into the everyday lives of working families in the last century, but they tie together the history of commerce, industry, navigation, and ecology.”

The museum is actively recruiting volunteers for this program and others.

“Traditionally, the Maritime Museum counts on volunteers for everything from exhibit design and development to dock management and gift shop sales,” says executive director Kate Mitchell. “A huge part of local history education is working with the community. Volunteers are the frontline learners, the information carriers. Growing our volunteer program is the best way to reach out into the community.”

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is seeking volunteers to help with many aspects of the museum’s work, including tours and educational programs, gift shop and admissions, events, historical research, office work, and construction of the new Clearwater boat barn.

Volunteer interest and orientation meetings will be held on Wednesday, February 15th from 10 AM to 12 PM and Saturday, February 18th from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Hudson River Maritime Museum located at 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY.

Those interested may respond via e-mail to Education Director Sarah Wassberg at swassberg@hrmm.org or call 845-338-0071 ext. 16.
The Hudson River Maritime Museum, a 501©(3) non-profit organization, was established in 1980 to collect, preserve, research, exhibit and interpret a collection of historical artifacts related to the preservation of the maritime heritage of the Hudson River and its tributaries. For more information please visit  http://www.hrmm.org/.

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Crowns & Branches Workshop

To help children of all ages feel extra special – the young Royalty for the day – they are invited into come to this bustling, artful workshop, hosted and co-sponsored by the ASK,  Arts Society of Kingston at 97 Broadway.  Children will make their own bejeweled Crowns & Branches to wear and carry in the parade. The workshop will be held from 12:30 -2:30pm and all children must be accompanied by an adult.  The workshop is free, but donations are always welcomed.

Workshop shelves will be with all kinds of bangles, beads, ribbons, gems and fabrics to paste and attach to crown forms.   The Branches they make are their Royal Scepters.  The old fashion tool of punishment – The Switch made from a willow branch– is transformed by their imaginations into a symbol of empowerment and joy.  On the branches, children hang strings of beads or ribbon to make an original creation.  Each child will be asked to tie 3 WISHES in their branch—one for their family, for their community and for the World. Be sure to see the Wish Lady!

What is the meaning of the Crowns and Branches that are made by and carried by the Children in the Parade? Since St. Nicholas loved children so much, it makes sense on his name day, that children—who at all other times of the year the least powerful people in the society—are turned into the most powerful for just one day. Children are crowned kings and queens!

The birch rod—the indispensable instrument of medieval education— is transformed by the power imagination and art into a symbol of empowerment and love. The birch rod becomes the Branch—the Royal Scepter—a symbol of creative power in the hands of today’s children.  And so, on this day children are raised up from being those least powerful to the most powerful for one glorious day! The rods are turned to Royal Scepters and the Children are crowned royalty for the day!

Arrival of Sinterklaas Parade

All are invited to join The Arrival of Sinterklaas Parade down Broadway with a crafty boat created by artist Michael Lalicki complete with stars, puppets, music and costumed players, as well as the children sporting their handmade crowns and branches.   Following the parade, there will be a special reception at the Downtown Visitors’ Center with a tree lighting at dusk hosted by Kingston’s Waterfront.

Some form of Sinterklaas has been celebrated in Europe since the Middle Ages.  The character of Sinterklaas is based on a 4^th century bishop, Nicolas of Myra (present-day Turkey).  St. Nicholas is now a patron saint of children and mariners.  He, along with many others of that time, was persecuted for his religious beliefs, but he never wavered in his support of children and those less fortunate.  Over the centuries, he has become a universal symbol of tolerance and kindness.  Sinterklaas is his Dutch name and it is in Holland where national celebrations take place today, with millions watching in person or via TV as Sinterklaas rides his white horse on the streets of Amsterdam spreading cheer.

For more information about the Sinterklaas event, contact Susan Linn at 845-339-4280 or visit sinterklaasrhinebeck.com

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The concept of leash-free dog parks probably began in New York City several decades ago, and spread rapidly.  In Kingston, for awhile there were several parks that  had “no dogs” rules, but where dogs  were allowed to romp as long as they did not disturb any other park users.  Unfortunately, there were the inevitable conflicts, and  dog owners are now being ticketed by the dog warden for allowing their dogs to romp off leash in human oriented parks.

About two years ago, several  concerned dog owners began  contacting the Kingston Parks and Recreation Department, wanting a leash-free dog park in Kingston.  Similar parks had been begun in Saugerties and Marbletown.  Marcuse Pfieffer and Evi Seidman attended a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting urging a creation of a Kingston dog park.   Their rescued pup needed an opportunity to do strenuous romping  in order to regulate her pent-up energies.  Kingston recreation Commissioner Kevin Gilfeather and commission member Joe Hoffman  found value in the suggestion, and a study was begun of the  operation of dog parks existing in other communities.  Dr. Marilyn Glasser presented the results of the study at a very well-attended meeting at Kingston Point Beach about a year ago.  The Recreation Commission studied the various options presented, as well as possible sites for the proposed park. Eventually a one acre site was chosen between the historic Kingston Point Park and the baseball field.  Then  a funding stream was established so that tax-deductable donations could be made, with a $100,000 goal  set to pay for the construction of the park and for upkeep  costs in the future.

Evi Seidman noted that some rural parks have been established with a small budget, but that those founding the Kingston Point Dog Park feel a strong obligation to continue the grand historic integrity of Kingston Point Park, which was designed in the 19th Century by Calvert Vaux who designed Central Park.   They want the park to be safe, beautiful, and aesthetically attractive for the humans….and the dogs!  A great deal of thought has gone into the planning of the park itself.

It will be enclosed by black vinyl coated chain link fence, that blends  attractively into the surroundings.  There will be two areas, one for large, vigorous dogs, and the other for small, elderly, or disabled dogs who prefer quieter play.   Serving both entrances will be “hardscape” area with a three-tier water fountain.   The lowest tier of the fountain will be for the dogs, a middle area will be for seated persons and children, and the top area for  people on foot.  The fountain will be set in the brick , to control  any possibility of mud tracking. Each brick in the hardscape will be lasar- engraved with messages chosen by contributors to the dog park.

A 4 x 8 inch brick with three lines of engraved copy, will be available for a $100 donation . An 8×8 inch brick will be available for $250 with room for a six line personalization , and the $5 pawprint option will also be available for the large bricks.  In addition, those wishing a lasting memorialization for a departed relative or pet can purchase a plaque on the drinking fountain or on one of the comfortable seating benches in the park.

Funding is through the Community Foundation of Ulster County, and donation checks should be made out to the Community Foundation of Ulster County, with “Kingston Point Dog Park” or “KPDP” in the memo line of the check.   All donations are tax deductable.

The play areas of the park will be paw-friendly grass.  The city will be responsible for the mowing, and the Kingston Point Dog Park will be responsible for the upkeep and repairs.  Owners will be responsible for the conduct of their pets.  After studying operation of many dog parks, Kingston decided not to require memberships or fees, but there will be rules, and the first 100 users of the park will have to attend a short 90-minute orientation in dog park ettiquette.  There will be no “doggy playground” equipment, and in the interest of safety, food and toys will not be allowed in the park.  Only dogs who play well with other dogs will be allowed, but there will be no breed discrimination.

During the frosty months corporate contributions will be solicited and local businesses will be given an opportunity to have their sponsorship acknowledged  on benches, fences, fountains, etc. It is planned that ground for the park will be broken as soon in spring as possible with a goal of having the park fully operational for  the frolicsome days of early summer!  Dogs will finally have the opportunity to let their humans off the end of the leash for a little untethered romping!

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