Roxbury receives funding announcement for Phase II of the Kirkside Park Barn restoration

The Town of Roxbury in partnership with the MARK Project has recently been awarded $111,000 from the NY State Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for further restoration/rehabilitation to the historic barns in Kirkside Park.

The barns were part of the original Gould-Shepard holdings that served as the laundry facility and workshop for the estate’s employees and the carriage house for the Gould-Shepard’s ever changing means of transportation. They were deeded to the Town in 2002 and with funding assistance from the NY State Department of State and the O’Connor Foundation, the Town was able to plan for the full restoration of these choice vernacular structures that line the East Branch of the Delaware. In 2005, again with assistance from the Department of State and the O’Connor Foundation, the Town initiated the development and construction of fully accessible restrooms in the South barn. This certainly has improved the Park environment and greatly enhanced the experience of community members and visitors alike who frequent the pristine 14-acre treasure.

This component of the project will include the continued development of the community space as well as the beginning stages of a much needed museum space in the South Barn. “I am thrilled that the Department of State and the O’Connor Foundation have once again come through with the necessary funding to see us well into Phase II of the project” says Supervisor Tom Hynes. “This has been in the works for several years” says Peg Ellsworth of the MARK Project. “ I am thrilled that the MARK Project is on board to help the Town with this valuable community project.”

It is anticipated that the project will be ready for construction bids by the summer of 2010. For more information contact Peg Ellsworth at the MARK Project at 845.586.3500.