Friends of the Riverwalk Workday

Spring is HERE and so are we.  Hard to know what our weather will be the next few weeks or months.  Our general rule still applies: FRW will be out on the RiverWalk unless thunderstorms or other severe weather moves in. We will try to make the call to reschedule the day prior if possible.

Please see the attached Friends of the RiverWalk 2025 Workdays flyer.

Our mission remains the same: Assisting the Parks Department staff in establishing and maintaining plants, infrastructure and amenities.  Regular Workday activities have evolved to include: removal of  trash and invasives and the pruning of shrubs and small trees with the guidance of Anthony Ross, Parks Superintendent.

The West Main circle will get its new white oak this spring. Look forward to welcoming a new friend.

Several of the new trees at the west ends of the RiverWalk entry paths are failing to thrive and will be replaced.

Adjacent to the property at the north end of the RiverWalk, the park has been groomed like residential landscape.  Appropriation of part of our public park is not permitted and the Village is taking steps to restore the parkland.

The ballfield now has cameras covering a 360 degree radius.

Pruning: FRW will be revisiting previously pruned shrubs and trees to again clear the ground plane and improve light and air circulation.  Plants impinging on the walkways will be cut back.

The hi-top tables in the Overlook have flaking finishes and rust.  FRW will review options with the manufacturer.

No Mow Wildflower and Grass: Designated areas of the RiverWalk Park will have pilot plantings of low-growing seed mixes: under the shrubs near the benches at one or two of the RiverWalk entrance paths, in one island bed on the south RiverWalk and in the West Main Circle outside the perimeter of the tree planting circle. FRW has purchased three different seed mixes in coordination with Super Anthony Ross. This is a work in progress. The plan is to have an attractive, lower maintenance ground cover.

Pest and Pestilence Alert: There are still large numbers of the invasive, destructive Spotted Lanternfly on the RiverWalk. If you see these pests, please squash them. They aggressively destroy agricultural and landscape plants. The adults are about 1” long.  The DEC is no longer collecting data from our area because it is so heavily infested. The link, www.hungrypests.com, has images and information about the Lanternfly. FRW will have a sheet illustrating the life stages of SLF on the welcome table.

Please be on the alert for patches of poison ivy.

Dogs: Please understand that dog owners are expected to provide water and bags for their canine friends.  The Park’s dog stations offer supplemental bags as a courtesy.

Sink Holes: Interventions with stone and concrete seem to be holding. Please exercise caution and report to Parks staff if you note the sink holes recurring.

Trash: New larger trash cans are now in place in heavily used areas.  Please look for a receptacle that is not full when depositing trash.  A reminder that depositing your trash in the appropriate cans or taking it with you when you leave goes a long way to a cleaner park.

Workdays: Trash bags, granola bars and water will be offered at the welcome table. A limited supply of tools, including grabbers and bag holders, adult and child gloves are available.  Please join us to help keep the RiverWalk clean and beautiful. We recommend gloves, hats and seasonal clothing, sunscreen and bug spray. Extra hands make a big difference. Consider donating some time to this special place.