ADOPT-A-LIGHT

Shine a spotlight on your story while supporting the Walkway’s 454 solar lights and their surroundings.

When you Adopt-A-Light, we’ll install a plaque engraved with your personal message for all to see. Your adoption includes a plaque display for five years, with the option to renew and continue your legacy. Solar lights are available for adoption with a tax-deductible donation of $1,500.
 

Tell Your Story

Commemorate a special occasion, share a birthday wish, welcome a new baby, congratulate a graduate, honor someone important to you, make a marriage proposal, or let the Hudson Valley know that you love the Walkway and want to see it thrive.

Choose Your Number

Each light is individually numbered from 001 - 454, allowing you to choose one significant to you. This map details where each number can be found on the Walkway.

Ensure You Have The Best View

Whether overlooking the City of Poughkeepsie, Highland waterfront, or at the center of the majestic Hudson River, Walkway's solar lights span the entirety of the 1.28-mile-long bridge.

Why Adopt-A-Light?

Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is the result of a powerful collaboration between the Friends of the Walkway, our partners at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the New York State Bridge Authority, and our volunteers, members, and donors.

The Adopt-A-Light program is an extraordinary way for Walkway supporters to help us keep our park welcoming, safe, and thriving for years to come. Your donation directly supports the ongoing maintenance and care of our solar lights and as well as the Walkway's programming and operational needs.  
 
This tax-deductible, exclusive naming opportunity is open to individuals, families, and local businesses.
 

*NEW* Crowdfund-A-Light

Bringing your community together to illuminate the Walkway is now easier than ever! Whether you’re part of a team, organization, or celebrating a special occasion, our new Crowdfund-A-Light option allows groups of any size to contribute toward adopting a solar light. Every donation, big or small, adds up to something meaningful—helping to create a lasting tribute on the Walkway for all to see. Download our Crowdfund-A-Light Toolkit for step-by-step guidance in launching your campaign.

Crowdfund-A-Light Portal

STORIES THAT SHINE

JOSH + SOFI

Josh lived in the Hudson Valley. Sofi in Costa Rica. In 2020, years of long-distance dating turned into a lifetime together - and a wedding ceremony on the Walkway.

They said “I do” surrounded by sweeping views high above the Hudson, with Josh’s father officiating and loved one’s Zooming in from across continents.

To commemorate their special day, Josh and Sofi adopted a solar light on the bridge that now stands a lasting symbol of their love.

ASTOR SERVICES

Walkway Over the Hudson is a place of peace and respite for all who cross.  A linear span showcasing majestic views from 212 feet above the glorious Hudson River that lifts both body and spirit.

Those values are shared by Astor Services, a local nonprofit that adopted a light to illuminate its message - Learn. Heal. Thrive. - for the thousands who pass by each day.

Today, that light glows as a beacon of hope and partnership.  A reminder that on the Walkway and in our community, you never walk alone.

 

MAUREEN + DEEDEE

Maureen and DeeDee have strolled Walkway Over the Hudson together every week since it opened in 2009, sharing laughs, stories, and solutions to all the world’s problems. 

It is solved by walking, they say.  And the pair have logged more than 500 miles on the span.

Two years ago, their husbands, Peter and Chuck, celebrated this tradition by adopting a light high above the Hudson as a birthday gift — a lasting symbol of their wives’ many journeys together.

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1What is my donation used for?
Your generous donation supports the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the Walkway's solar lights, as well as helps fund the Walkway’s programming and operational needs. 
2What can my inscription say?
You can personalize your plaque with a message that commemorates, congratulates, or inspires. Please refer to the inscription form for details, including character count and limitations. 
3How long does it take to have my plaque installed?
Installation typically takes 6-8 weeks after we receive your inscription. We will send you a draft for approval before your plaque goes to production. 
4How long is my plaque on the light?
Your plaque will be displayed for 5 years. After this period, you will be invited to renew your commitment by making an additional donation to continue your support of the Adopt-A-Light program and maintain the plaque’s visibility. 
5How does the five-year renewal work?
The five-year period represents the term of your donation and plaque placement. At the end of five years, donors will receive a renewal notice and have the opportunity to continue their support with a new donation. This helps fund ongoing maintenance and ensures the continued visibility of your personalized plaque. 
6Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Friends of the Walkway is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and you will receive a receipt for your donation, which can be used for tax purposes.
7What is Crowdfund-A-Light?
Crowdfunding is when a group of people (teams, organizations, families, etc.) come together to chip in small amounts toward a larger goal - in this case, $1,500 to Adopt-A-Light on Walkway Over the Hudson. Each crowdfunded light includes a custom-engraved plaque displayed for five years with the option to renew. Your tax-deductible contribution supports Walkway Over the Hudson, ensuring it remains a vibrant, welcoming space for all. Campaigns must raise $1,500 within 12 months. If the goal isn’t met, all funds will support Friends of the Walkway’s mission. Any amount raised beyond $1,500 will go toward Walkway operations and improvements. Choosing Your Light Number: Walkway lights are numbered 001 - 454. If you’d like a specific number, email [email protected] to reserve it. Some numbers may already be claimed.
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ADOPT-A-LIGHT

Celebrate. Commemorate. Congratulate.

Each rectangular metal plaque measures 4" tall by 12" wide and is affixed to the light.
Inscriptions can be a maximum of 44 characters in two rows (22 characters per row).
All letters are engraved as capital letters and centered in each row.
Advertisements, website addresses, and hashtags are not permitted.
For full details on inscription guidelines, please download the Adopt-A-Light Inscription Form below.
ADOPT-A-LIGHT - $1,500

Prefer to pay by check? Download and complete our Adopt-A-Light Inscription Form
Mail completed form to 80 Washington Street, Suite 300, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Questions? Call 845-454-9649 or email [email protected].

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