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Photos by David Gordon
Just a little more than a month ago, the park near the Village Beach on the Esopus was a mess. Vandals and the weather had damaged or nearly destroyed picnic tables, play equipment and fireplaces. Village Parks and Recreation Superintendent George Terpening promised at that time to have the site cleaned up by the start of the swimming season.
On Monday, July 22, the park looked neat, clean and inviting. Yes, some of the play equipment could still use a coat of paint, but with the bright colors cleaned up, it took a close look to reveal that. Broken tables have been removed or repaired. Charcoal cookers have been righted and reset; they’re ready for food preparation. The graffiti under the bridge abutment has been painted over, and the surface is plain white.
Terpening said that further improvements will be made in the future, but the immediate task is installation of equipment in the Lions Club Park.
A couple sitting at one of the picnic tables said they found the park attractive and pleasant. “This is a very pretty spot, and we look forward to coming every summer,” said Ella Diner of Brooklyn. “The falls, the restaurant, this park, it is all beautiful.”
The beach is staffed by a lifeguard from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Join the family! 
