PORT JERVIS, NY — The new Port Jervis Watershed Park has opened and is receiving some 20 to 30 visitors during weekdays and 70 per day during weekends. That information came from Mike Ward, vice president of Port Jervis Outdoor Club, who spoke at the Port Jervis Common Council meeting on June 12. All the work has been done with private donations at no cost to the city. He said, “We provide all the signage, everything is provided by the club, that’s part of what we’re doing in the watershed area.”

The park encompases 1,868 acres in Port Jervis and an adjoining 370 acres in neighboring Deer Park. ​Ward said there are already miles of trails for hikers, bikers and walkers, but not for motorists of any kind. “It’s strictly a motor-free environment,” Ward said.

Future plans include an additional 19 trails, to be connected to the D&H Canal, Shawangunk and Huckleberry trails and coordination with Heritage and Railway trails. Ward said people can visit Watershed Park without a car. “There’s a train station; many want to come by train,” Ward explained.

Also in the works are information kiosks for all the entrances to the park with information about how hard or easy the trails are, and more maps. There will also be digital apps for phones with the ability to tap on the screen to be immediately connected to EMS who would know where you are. To make the trails ADA compliant, a handicapped trail with hard natural surfaces, not concrete or asphalt, is being constructed.

One big concern for Ward is safety on the trails. “Safety on the trail most important,” he stated. “We made a lot of changes to make it easier to find out where you are. We’re really pushing for trail maintenance. We’re constantly there every day.”

The emergency management system includes a coded numbering system on the posts that mark the trails, including an emergency contact number. “You’ll always know where you are on the trail. The color of the blades tells you what trail you’re on.”

The club also takes care of hauling out the trash it picks up. In all, the volunteers already disposed of 2.5 tons of trash and 13 or 14 tires at no cost to the city. The club is also looking for more volunteers.

The park has been recognized several times recently. It won the Orange County Citizens Award, received an Orange County tourism grant, the annual walk-a-thon by third-grade students from the ASK Elementary School donated over $2,000 to the club, and St. Peter’s Church held a climate walk and donated funds collected at that event. The club has also held booths in city events to publicize the park, and many individuals have donated for maps and upkeep.

The club is also working with the elementary and middle school with biking and other programs.

Plans are also in the works for more programs and club activities. They include guiding people on hikes, introduction to trails, bike rides and guided night trails.

Recently Ward bought a property bordering at the entrance to Reservoir Avenue, and is currently working toward opening it for recreational use for park visitors and adding bathrooms if regulations allow.

Mayor Kelly Decker thanked Ward, saying, “You’re doing a fantastic job. We appreciate it.”