Since opening in October 2009, Walkway Over the Hudson has become a vital local asset and a hub for regional exploration that welcomes more than 600,000 people annually. Locals and visitors alike recognize it as a space for inspiration, wellness, gathering, and belonging.
Since its founding in the mid-1990s, Friends of the Walkway has played a vital role in raising more than $55 million to support the construction of the Walkway. Our efforts have helped transform it from a 'sidewalk in the sky' into a world-class recreation and tourism destination complete with visitor amenities, programming, and infrastructure.
In 2024, Friends of the Walkway convened partners, volunteers, and community members for a strategic planning process to chart the park’s growth and success over the next five years and beyond. This work was supported with funding from the New York State Park and Trail Partnership Grants and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. The Park and Trail Partnership Grants are administered by Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Allow Us To Reintroduce Ourselves
Friends of the Walkway is the independent, nonprofit partner of NYS Parks supporting Walkway Over the Hudson.
We work in close partnership with New York State Parks and the New York State Bridge Authority to identify key opportunities for growth and augment operating resources that cover the largest and smallest details of the Walkway’s care and communal impact. We are the principal advocacy organization that works to garner additional funding for Walkway Over the Hudson. We are not taxpayer supported. All of our impact is made over and above what is possible through the state budget.
What Do Friends Do? Friends Make Parks Great.
Our vision is to make a lasting impact in three key areas: visitor experience, community engagement, and regional connectivity. We are evolving from an infrastructure-focused organization into one that creates meaningful, on-the-ground experiences for every person who steps onto the Walkway.
In the short term, that means:
- Continuing beloved events like Walkway at Night, the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular, and Starry Starry Night.
- Expanding the Mayfest Farmers and Makers Market to three days and relocating it to Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie to accommodate growing attendance.
- 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 accessible 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.
In the long term, that means:
- Building digital infrastructure to improve signage, navigation, and guest interactivity.
- Enhancing 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.
