Supporting
The Friendliest Park
In The World
Your gift ensures that the spirit that first welcomed guests to the Walkway continues to define every visit.
In the mid-1990s, community leaders walked across the abandoned Poughkeepsie–Highland Railroad Bridge and imagined what it could become.
The views were extraordinary.
But Fred Schaeffer believed the true success of the Walkway would not be measured only by the scenery — it would be measured by how people felt when they arrived.
Fred envisioned the Walkway as the friendliest park in the world. As Walkway’s first Ambassador, he greeted visitors personally, setting the tone for a culture of warmth, hospitality, and community that continues to define the experience today.
That spirit became part of the Walkway’s DNA.
Carrying Fred’s Spirit Forward
Today, more than 150 Ambassadors continue the tradition Fred began. They greet visitors from around the world, lead tours, operate the ADA-accessible tram, support community events, and ensure that every crossing is more than just a walk — it is an experience.
Fred remains an important part of the Walkway story, and this fund celebrates the vision he helped bring to life.
The Fred Schaeffer Ambassador Legacy Fund celebrates Fred by sustaining and strengthening the volunteer program he helped build.
With your support, we will:
- Recruit and inspire the next generation of Walkway Ambassadors
- Provide enhanced training in accessibility, safety, and visitor engagement
- Equip volunteers with uniforms and tools that reflect the pride of their service
- Support the coordination that keeps this remarkable program thriving
Your gift ensures that the spirit that first welcomed guests to the Walkway continues to define every visit.
Why This Matters
