Callicoon Riverside Park

Residents of Sullivan County, New York, love their broad views of the Catskill Mountains, lush forests, rolling farmland, and the Delaware River, rich with trout. The only problem? Most people can’t access the river. Even though the water itself is designated as a National Scenic and Recreational River, almost all of the riverbank is privately owned.

One site, a former RV park that was largely destroyed by flooding following Hurricane Irene, came up for sale in 2020. Trust for Public Land purchased the property and transferred it to three parties: the town of Callicoon, Sullivan County, and the State of New York.

Now, we’re helping build a new riverfront park in the hamlet of Callicoon. We engaged the community in a public process to decide how to transform this neglected property into a vibrant public park, creating new access to the Delaware River. Through a participatory design process, the park plans reflect local priorities—connecting people to nature and each other in a new way. Designated wildlife viewing platforms, a dedicated swimming hole, primitive campsites, and even a meditation meadow are among the features the community is exploring.

Parks like this one are essential infrastructure for healthy, connected, equitable, and empowered communities. Help us make this plan a reality. Support our work in New York today.