Cortlandt Waterfront Park is located at the end of Broadway on Riverview Avenue in Verplanck (77 Riverview Avenu).  The restoration and construction of this waterfront recreational facility began in the early part of 1990, when public access of the Steamboat Dock (more information below) and Hudson River was threatened.  A small group of local citizens formed the Verplanck Waterfront Preservation Committee (VWPC) and worked closely with the Town of Cortlandt and Scenic Hudson to preserve and protect Steamboat Dock.

Over the last 29 years the Town of Cortlandt has invested millions of dollars in grants from New York State and from the Town budget to expand this park from the approximately 1.0 acre Steamboat Dock to almost 30 acres close to the intersection of Kings Ferry Road and Riverview Avenue. Verplanck is the only area between New York City and Albany where railroad tracks do not encumber pedestrian access.

As of 2017 the park offers:

  • A riverfront pedestrian trail connecting to sidewalks on Broadway/Riverview Av.
  • A public boat launch
  • Fishing pier, for both fishing and crabbing,
  • Overlook that including a yardarm, inlaid fish design and benches
  • Veterans Memorial
  • Aviation themed playground named in honor of Jim Martin (Pictured above)
  • Horseshoe pits
  • A great lawn where outdoor movie nights and live music events are held
  • A dance floor
  • Crewing (rowing) through the Cortlandt Community Rowing Association
  • A place where people can touch the River
  • Birding Opportunities – Eagles, Red Tailed Hawks, Blue Heron etc.
  • Parking

As the Town continues its forward planning for this park we are expecting to add the following soon:

  • Outdoor Amphitheatre
  • Waterfront Restaurant
  • Environmental Education Center
  • More nature trails and pedestrian connections.

The Cortlandt Waterfront Park is also home to the Town of Cortlandt Summer Concert and Movie Series held on several Thursday nights from June through August.

The Steamboat Riverfront Park is located at the end of Broadway on Riverview Avenue in Verplanck.  The restoration and construction of this waterfront recreational facility began in the early part of 1990, when public access of the Steamboat Dock and Hudson River was threatened.  A small group of local citizens formed the Verplanck Waterfront Preservation Committee (VWPC), under the direction of Marie Pritchard.  The Town Board voted to protect public access the following year.  A Personalized Brick Drive Fundraiser was held during the mid-nineties and raised over $16,000 for improvements to the park.  The project was completed by the Town of Cortlandt and the park was rededicated in July 1997.

The park offers a pedestrian trail, a fishing pier, ideal for both fishing and crabbing, and an overlook that consists of benches and a memorial tree planted on May 22, 1999, in memory of Michael Alexander.  After heading the VWPC for over eleven years, a pavilion was dedicated in honor of Marie Pritchard on June 29, 2002.  The Marie Pritchard Pavilion is an ideal picnic area that can now be enjoyed by all Town residents.

Hudson River Community Boat Launch

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Park Hours: 7:00 am to Dusk 

  1. Town of Cortlandt, Village of Buchanan and Village of Croton residents only.

  2. Use of ramp for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.

  3. Town of Cortlandt Boat Launch Permit required.  Available at Cortlandt Town Hall in the Town Clerk's Office,

  4. Clear ramp area- Come in slow- NO WAKE.

  5. Seasonal use only from April 1st to October 31st.

  6. Pull boat around to launching ramp as soon as space becomes available.  Pull boat to the tie-down zone and clear the ramp so others may use the boat launch.

  7. Permit for Ramp Access MUST be in full view on the dash or mirror of your vehicle.  If your permit is not in view, you will recieve a summons and fines.

  8. Anyone driving over 5 MPH within 50 feet of the shore will forfeit their permit and be given a summons and fines.

  9. Boats not to exceed 22 feet.

  10. NO swimming, sunbathing, waterskiing or loitering in the launch area.

  11. NO overnight parking.

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK