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The NPS officially assumed ownership of a densely forested 334-acre parcel of land, replete with rock outcropping, gentle streams and a historically significant farm lane that was frequently used by former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor when the couple owned the property.
The lane connects Val-kill, Eleanor Roosevelt's residence, and Springwood, which figures to allow future visitors to the area the opportunity to experience the properties as one large, interconnected estate, much as it was in the time of the Roosevelts.
Sarah Olson, superintendent of Roosevelt-Vanderbilt Historic Sites, expressed appreciation for Scenic Hudson's efforts in securing and preserving the important plot of land.
"We salute Scenic Hudson for making the reunification of the historic properties possible," she said. "These lands are host to some of the finest remnants of FDR's forestry activities and will help us share that story with our visitors.
"We anticipate seeing more visitors and increasing the site's cultural and economic contribution to Hyde Park and the region," Olson concluded.
Scenic Hudson purchased the property from a commercial real estate developer in 2004. Rosenberg asserted that the intent behind the purchase was the preservation of a historically noteworthy property.
"At the time of the purchase, the property was below the radar and we felt that it was not serving the public potential. We wanted to preserve the Roosevelt family legacy by reuniting the two historic properties," said Rosenberg before the ceremony.
"We worked with the entire community on this, and we are confident that there is no higher purpose this property could serve," said Rosenberg.
Councilman Robert Linville, representative of the Town of Hyde Park, was in accordance with Rosenberg's sentiment as he expressed enthusiasm over plans to eventually erect a Hudson Valley Welcome Center (HVWC) on the property.
"This represents one step in the creation of the regional visitor's center, which we hope will serve as both a magnet and a doorway to the rest of the Hudson Valley," said Linville in a speech on Friday.
Town officials have professed their desire to integrate cultural and recreational businesses in accordance with the HVWC so the town may derive a more direct economic benefit.
Elizabeth Hart, a spokeswoman for the partnership comprised of the Town of Hyde Park, Scenic Hudson, the NPS and Winnakee Land Trust, confirmed that she was currently in discussion with a number of businesses that have expressed interest in opening up shop on the property.
Plans for the HVWC and ancillary projects are contingent upon an allocation of federal dollars to the partnership, which would allow all parties to move forward in a cost-effective manner.
Hart expressed confidence that the federal appropriations cycle would yield some money, but remained uncertain as to the exact amount and when the partnership would know.
"We expect to hear how much money we will receive by this fall," said Hart after the ceremony.
Though the town views the ceremony as a preliminary step in a long process that could eventually transform Hyde Park into the gateway of tourism in the Hudson Valley, the NPS and Scenic Hudson were content to relish the moment as the culmination of a lot of hard work and planning.
"This stunning property adds another great reason to visit one of the region's leading attractions and others near to it," said Rosenberg. "People aren't as likely to visit a historic place that's surrounded by sprawling development. That's why we invested so much in Hyde Park, and we're gratified that residents will benefit from the land even if they never hike it."
