The riverside park known as Falling Waters has become a favorite spot for walkers and joggers since opening to the public in the summer of 2011. Scenic Hudson, together with Esopus Creek Conservancy, has managed the property since obtaining access from the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill. Now, after three years of successful management, Scenic Hudson plans to make the deal permanent by purchasing most of the preserve.
The Dominican Sisters would subdivide the 187-acre property to allow for the sale of a 149-acre parcel. According to the plan, the Sisters would retain a 29-acre lot on the northern side and a nine-acre lot on southern side of the property. The portion Scenic Hudson is purchasing contains all the trails no open to the public. The portions retained by the Sisters were never open to the public.
That subdivision was the subject of discussion at the November meeting of the town Planning Board. A public hearing will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center.
The Dominican Sisters would provide two easements to allow access to the Scenic Hudson lot, one at the Barclay St. end and one at the Glasco end, said attorney Christopher Rizzo, who represents the Dominican Sisters.
The new parcels would remain tax exempt, as the transfer is from a religious institution to a tax-free preservation organization.
The purchase will add to Scenic Hudson’s holdings along the Hudson River from Albany County to Westchester and Rockland, said Lee Alexander, the senior land project manager for Scenic Hudson.
Join the family! 
