Project Type: nature preserve public access improvements
Funding: Town of Clifton Park $179,891
Location: Riverview Road 41-Acre nature preserve, off of Riverview Road, west of
Project Overview
The project is a focused construction plan to provide improved, safe and convenient public access to the 41-acre nature preserve, including a new entrance drive at the location of the existing access driveway, and an improved parking area
Proposed improvements include:
- Reconstructing the existing driveway entrance access with grading improvements and added drainage improvements
- Adding an improved, paved ADA parking area
These upgrades aim to improve access safety, accessibility, and connectivity for visitorsContinue reading
Project Type: nature preserve public access improvements
Funding: Town of Clifton Park $179,891
Location: Riverview Road 41-Acre nature preserve, off of Riverview Road, west of
Project Overview
The project is a focused construction plan to provide improved, safe and convenient public access to the 41-acre nature preserve, including a new entrance drive at the location of the existing access driveway, and an improved parking area
Proposed improvements include:
- Reconstructing the existing driveway entrance access with grading improvements and added drainage improvements
- Adding an improved, paved ADA parking area
These upgrades aim to improve access safety, accessibility, and connectivity for visitors to the nature preserve.
Key Milestones
| Milestone | Status |
|---|
| Environmental Review /Permitting; SEQRA | Completed 2023-2025
|
Public Construction Bid Letting
| Dec. 2025-Jan. 2026. Public bid opening held on Jan. 14, 2026 with five bidders. Town's engineers reviewed bids and recommended lowest bidder. Town Board authorized construction contract to lowest bidder on Feb. 3, 2026.
|
| Construction Schedule: | Pre-Construction Meeting held Feb. 9, 2026. Initial construction prep and strategic tree removal activities for the focused construction area only will occur March 2026. Preserve parking will be closed to public vehicles once construction starts. Construction activities to reconstruct the existing driveway and install the new parking area will continue as weather conditions permit April to May 2026.
|
Anticipated Completion:
| June 2026
|
Project Background
Acquisition of a New Nature Preserve (2011)
The Town purchased the 41-acre forested parcel—featuring 1,500 feet of Mohawk River shoreline and a 2-acre pond, for $300,000 using the Open Space Capital Reserve Fund and Western Clifton Park Incentive Zoning funds. The Town’s Open Space, Trails, & Riverfront Committee supported the acquisition to preserve the land and provide opportunities for passive recreation.
Incremental Site Improvements (2011-2025)
After purchase, the Town opened the property to public use in its existing condition. Early improvements included:
· Managing access through installation of a gate ~ 350 feet into the site
· Maintaining the pond’s existing culvert along the former driveway
· Removing the previous owner’s abandoned RV, deteriorated metal shed, and brick pillars that hindered entrance visibility
These efforts allowed safe hosting of guided nature walks and public visitation despite the rustic conditions of the inherited one-lane driveway and informal parking area.
Public Use and Stewardship
The Town's Open Space, Trails & Riverfront Committee has led annual stewardship hikes. The Town's Parks & Recreation Department has offered programs, including Parent & Child Trail Stomping. Other community groups have held hikes, measured the depth of the pond, installed bird boxes and participated in volunteer trail cleanups.
Planning for Strategic Access Improvements (2021-2025)
As visitation and public engagement grew, the Committee recommended long-term access improvements, supported and implemented by the Town Board. Key steps included:
· A wetlands assessment by EDP in 2021
· A Committee public presentation of recommended improvements on May 9, 2022
· Public site visits with neighbors in October–November 2022
· A public meeting in November 2022 to gather community feedback
· Development of concept plans, design engineering, and permitting beginning in 2022
· Advancement of design plans through 2023–2024 and initiation of environmental permitting in 2024 and ending late 2025
These steps shaped the final construction plan now moving into implementation.
