Hyde Park Drive-in Parcel transferred to the National Park Service

Scenic Hudson has transferred ownership of the parcel containing the Hyde Park Drive-in to the Home of FDR National Historic Site. The transfer reserves certain rights for Scenic Hudson on a portion of the 29-acre parcel, which include the continued leased operation of the Drive-in and development of a future regional tourism center that has been planned for the property.

The Park Service plans to build a new, enlarged trailhead for the popular Roosevelt Farm Lane on the south end of the parcel, with a spur trail connecting to Farm Lane. The opening of Roosevelt Farm Lane in 2008 was made possible by Scenic Hudson's transfer to NPS of the 334-acre parcel between Routes 9 and 9G. FDR cherished the view from his life-long home and Scenic Hudson has also worked to protect lands on the west side of the Hudson River from development. Park Service Superintendent Sarah Olson applauds Scenic Hudson's efforts as among the most important contributions to the preservation of the National Historic Sites since they were established.

"We are truly fortunate that Scenic Hudson is committed to preserving the most important views of the River while also supporting our work to offer expanded experiences for our visitors." Olson commented that many people today are seeking destinations that provide a variety of experiences, from touring the homes of the Roosevelts to hiking Roosevelt Farm Lane, to making repeat visits to enjoy the gardens and hike the extensive Hyde Park trail network. The Park Service wants to bring back parts of the historic landscape and hopes someday to re-establish some of the Roosevelts' farm fields along Route 9.

"We want to give people the richest possible experience at our sites and bring them back to Hyde Park over and over again" Olson added.

Both NPS and Scenic Hudson underscored that the Roosevelt historic sites are important tourist destinations that contribute to the economies of Hyde Park and Dutchess County. In Dutchess County the tourism industry is responsible for $491 million in spending each year, generating $31 million annually in local taxes and employing nearly 9,300 people.

Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said his group is pleased that its partnership with NPS has taken another important stride forward. "This property transfer will enable the Park Service to continue enhancing the experience people have at the Roosevelt and Vanderbilt historic sites. Scenic Hudson pursues our campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most realizing that preserving land provides the cornerstone of a sustainable economy for the region. Besides contributing to tourism revenue and jobs, protected lands also help with general economic development. Surveys indicate that business leaders and job creators value an outstanding quality of life—including an abundance of parks and open space—as leading selling points for a community and region."

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. To date Scenic Hudson has created or enhanced more than 50 parks, preserves and historic sites up and down the Hudson River and conserved more than 30,000 acres.

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