Friends of the Walkway has unveiled a bold new strategic vision focused on enhancing visitor experience, deepening community engagement, and strengthening regional connectivity at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. This five-year roadmap sets the course for the organization’s continued evolution through 2030 and beyond.

This announcement marks a meaningful shift for the organization, which has spent the past three decades spearheading the transformation of the once-derelict Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge into one of New York’s most iconic parks – generating more than $55 million to help establish the infrastructure and amenities visitors enjoy today.

Reintroducing Friends of the Walkway

Friends of the Walkway is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that receives no annual state or federal funding. Instead, the organization relies on donations, grants, and community support to bring Walkway Over the Hudson to life. This includes hosting public programs and events, leading accessibility initiatives such as operating the park’s electric tram, coordinating volunteers, and enhancing the visitor experience through interpretive signage, branding, community engagement, and communications.

Friends of the Walkway creates opportunities for the public to support and shape the Walkway’s evolution as a world-class recreation and tourism destination, ensuring its success and sustainability for generations to come.

A Collaborative Vision for the Future

The new name, mission, vision, and goals were developed through a dynamic strategic planning process launched in 2024. Friends of the Walkway convened community members, volunteers, and partner organizations including the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Parks and Trails New York to help shape the future of the park.

“The time is right to fully embrace our name – Friends of the Walkway – and focus on our role enhancing the park through programming, events, and fundraising,” said Maureen Solero, Board Chair, Friends of the Walkway. “We look forward to launching exciting new initiatives while continuing the beloved traditions our community has come to know and love.”

What’s Ahead

In the near term, the strategic vision includes:

• Continuing beloved events like Walkway at Night, the Mayfest Farmers and Makers Market, the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular, and Starry Starry Night gala
• Launching Walkway Connections, a series of free, interactive programs for adults, along with new family-friendly programming prior to each Walkway at Night
• Expanding community partnerships to create impactful experiences for underrepresented audiences through annual gatherings like Salute2Vets, Pride in the Sky, and more
• Growing youth engagement through expanded school tours and the Walkway Explorers program
• Creating new volunteer opportunities for both long- and short-term engagement
• Ensuring Walkway remains one of the most accessible parks by expanding tram operating hours to serve more guests throughout the year
• Launching a digital guestbook to gather real-time visitor feedback and stories
• Expanding in-park interactive content and activities to further engage visitors of all ages
• Partnering with wellness organizations to deliver community health and well-being programs

Long-term goals include:

• Building digital infrastructure to improve signage, navigation, and guest interactivity
• Expanding bike accessibility through rentals and repair stations
• Developing sustainable funding for long-term park maintenance
• Elevating the Walkway brand through public art, lighting, and immersive visitor experiences
• Cementing the Walkway’s iconic status as a regional landmark by leveraging its scale and structure to deliver bold, place-making experiences

“Locals and visitors alike see the Walkway as a place of inspiration, wellness, gathering, and belonging,” said Lori Robertson, Executive Director of Friends of the Walkway. “This new strategic vision allows us to grow into our role as a partner to New York State Parks and the New York State Bridge Authority, while keeping the community at the heart of everything we do.”

To read the full strategic vision and learn how to get involved, visit walkway.org/strategicvision.