A renovated and upgraded Malcolm X Park, located on Mansion Street in Poughkeepsie’s 3rd Ward, has been formally opened with a ribbon-cutting. The park had been closed at the end of last September so that the renovation work could begin.
The existing park was renamed in honor of Malcolm X in 1978 after local high school students lobbied the city. Born Malcolm Little, Malcolm X became prominent as an American Muslim minister, civil rights activist and Black Nationalism leader. He was assassinated in 1965.
The park now brings to residents newly installed playground equipment, a new pavilion, newly-resurfaced basketball courts with new hoops, backboards and bleachers, a new walking path, benches, tables, and grills. Numerous new tress and bushes have been planted. A new mural honoring Malcolm X”™s legacy that was designed by community members is featured.
The city’s Department of Engineering oversaw the work at the park. Also participating in the project were local residents along with New City Parks and Scenic Hudson, Beulah Baptist Church, Morse Magnet Charter School, MASS Design Group, the Art Effect, Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Ecological Citizens, and the Northside Collaborative.
New City Parks Executive Director Rose Harvey said, “New City Parks has been honored and privileged to work side by side with the city, Scenic Hudson, and the community to translate the vision of all the users into a buildable park, raising public dollars for its construction and providing seed funding to program. Malcolm X Park is aptly named, and will provide access to nature, social connection, fun and play to everyone.”
Seth McKee, executive director of The Scenic Hudson Land Trust and Land Programs, said, “Malcolm X spoke of pride, of autonomy, and of reconciliation. This park honors his name through opportunities to connect with the outdoors and with each other.”
Among the speakers at the June 8 ribbon-cutting were Poughkeepsie’s Mayor Marc Nelson, Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O”™Neil, and Ernest Henry, executive director of the Hudson Valley Re-Entry Network.
New York State”™s Environmental Facilities Corporation provided a $355,000 grant to add new green infrastructure elements to park.
“We are so grateful to our many community partners who helped bring this beautiful project to fruition,” Mayor Nelson said. “The city has put substantial financial resources into its parks in recent years realizing they are enjoyed by everyone from youth to seniors. We also look forward to all the community events that will be held by organizations making great use of the park.”
