UC Exec Invites Public to Ribbon-Cutting for New O&W Connector Trail
Published on May 20, 2024
KINGSTON, NY - Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger is pleased to announce a ribbon-cutting for the O&W Connector Trail, formerly known by its project name — the Kingston Rail Trail. The 1.8-mile O&W Connector begins at a trailhead on Washington Avenue in Kingston, and ends at a junction with the O&W Rail Trail along Route 209 in the Town of Hurley. This new trail connects the Kingston Greenline system with the 27-mile O&W Rail Trail.
The public is invited to join this celebration on the Hurley side of the trail on Thursday, May 30, at 4 pm. (The rain date is Friday, May 31, at 4 pm.) Parking for the event is located at the Hurley and O&W Rail Trail main parking lot along Route 209 in Hurley, just .3 miles north of the ribbon-cutting (a 5-10 minute walk). (Driving south from Kingston, the parking lot is on the left immediately after crossing over the Esopus Creek Bridge. Parking lot coordinates: 41°56'05.1"N 74°03'13.5"W.)
For those interested in checking out the full trail prior to the ribbon-cutting, the County’s Department of Health will lead a walk and the County Sheriff’s Bike Patrol will lead a ride at 3 pm from the parking lot at 79 Hurley Avenue to the ribbon-cutting.
“This new rail trail connection marks a significant milestone for our trail system, connecting urban and rural areas, widening access, and expanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” said County Executive Metzger. “I want to thank our Planning and Public Works Departments for bringing this project to fruition, and I look forward to riding my bike from Marbletown to Kingston!”
“We are so pleased to see the completion of this crucial connection between the Kingston Greenline and the O&W Rail Trail,” said Kingston Mayor Steve Noble. “I want to thank Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and the Ulster County Planning team for realizing the need for a connector in this area and seeing this project through. We are so lucky to have such a robust trail system in our region and State, and it’s thanks to the leadership and coordination between municipalities that has helped make the trail network such a success.”
“The long-sought O&W Connecter creates a seamless direct connection between the built spaces of the City of Kingston and the open spaces along the O&W Rail Trail,” said Ulster County Trails Advisory Committee Chair Kevin Smith. “Before long, we foresee residents from Kingston neighborhoods — Ulster County's future leaders in fields including sustainability, renewable energy, business, climate science, etc. — using the Connector to commute safely and affordably to and from SUNY Ulster on the O&W Rail Trail. Wouldn't that be great?!"
“The O&W Coalition is grateful to have this section of trail complete,” said O&W Coalition Co-Chairs Jessica Phelan and Jill McLean. “There have been many volunteers involved to make this trail what it is and what it will continue to be. We live in a beautiful area and are fortunate to have the trail available for all ages to enjoy the outdoors.”
The O&W Connector, which was recommended in the County’s 2008 Non-motorized Transportation Plan, is the most recent addition to the County’s efforts to develop an interconnected Rail Trail system throughout Ulster County. Trails built by the County in recent years include the Midtown Linear Park, the Ashokan Rail Trail, and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail. To learn more about the O&W Trail, visit theoandwrailtrail.org. To learn more about the Kingston Greenline, visit kingstongreenline.org.
If special accommodations are required for members of the public to participate or for further information on the project, please contact Deputy Director of Planning Kristen Wilson, at 845-340-3338 or kwil@co.ulster.ny.us.