Opened in 1889 as the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, the historic walkway was transformed into a public promenade and longest elevated pedestrian park in the world. The Walkway Over the Hudson State Park was rebuilt and reopened in 2009, serving as a regional trail connector and one of the Hudson Valley’s top attractions. The Walkway offers access to the Hudson River’s stunning landscape, attracting more than 500,000 visitors annually from all over the world. Welcome centers, one on each side of the walkway, were built to provide a rest and recreational area for trail users.

Saratoga Associates provided design of architectural and site improvements for this project, creating an engaging outdoor space. Combined with a new visitor centre, multi-purpose outdoor amphitheater, courtyard deck and picknick areas, the site boasts elegant paving and landscape design, reflecting the beauty of its surroundings. The designer used a combination of Eco-Priora™ with Smooth Premier finish in a mix of Bavarian, New York Blend and Sandstone, as well as Granite slabs in Despina, promoting sustainability and creating a natural, warm aesthetic. The versatile and permeable features of Eco-Priora™ allow for rapid penetration of rainwater into the sub-base and subsoil, mitigating flooding on site. Ideal for pedestrian applications, the high-performance surface enhances visitor experience and facility function.