A second phase of the Scenic Hudson walkway project involved the redesign of the existing Pierson Park and the restoration of Andre Brook. For Pierson Park, RGR designed new tennis and basketball courts and redesigned the adjacent commuter parking area for the Village’s metro-north train station. The park plan included a large open lawn for passive recreation and special events; a sheltered stage for outdoor performances; a natural habitat area with native plants and “rain gardens” to capture and filter storm water; interpretive signage for environmental education; and a relocated kayak launch for access to the Hudson River. In addition, the plan featured a large family recreation area including a traditional playground for young children, a splash-park, an outdoor picnic area, and a new picnic shelter as well as a series of grass hills and valleys for creative play. To initiate the design process and to develop the program of improvements, RGR conducted a series of workshops with the client design committee, which comprised representatives of Scenic Hudson, the Westchester County Planning Department, and the Village of Tarrytown, as well as local residents.
