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Dutchess Park, Rail Trail, County Exec Make Zine's 'Best Of' List

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Dutchess County, noted for its scenic beauty, has made it onto Hudson Valley magazine’s latest “Best of” list, says County Executive Marc Molinaro.

The William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail has been picked by readers of Hudson Valley magazine as their favorite place to walk, run, bicycle or skate.

The William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail has been picked by readers of Hudson Valley magazine as their favorite place to walk, run, bicycle or skate.

Photo Credit: Dutchess County
Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls is one of Dutchess County's "treasures," says County Executive Marc Molinaro. It was named by readers of Hudson Valley Magazine as their favorite park.

Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls is one of Dutchess County's "treasures," says County Executive Marc Molinaro. It was named by readers of Hudson Valley Magazine as their favorite park.

Photo Credit: Yelp
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro was chosen by readers of Hudson Valley magazine as their favorite politician for 2016.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro was chosen by readers of Hudson Valley magazine as their favorite politician for 2016.

Photo Credit: co.dutchess.ny.us

Named in its 29th annual roundup as its readers’ favorite place for outdoor recreation was Bowdoin Park.

Molinaro, calling Dutchess’ parks “true treasures,” said the county was thrilled to have them “recognized for their unique and distinguishing features.”

The 301-acre park is on Sheafe Road in the town of Poughkeepsie along the banks of the Hudson River. It has two softball fields, three soccer fields, a community center, nature and history center, more than 3 miles of nature trails, an ice skating rink and a sledding hill.

According to the county executive, it is also home to one of the top rated cross-country courses in the region.

Educational programs, including archery, maple sugaring and adult survival classes, are also held there, he said.

The park, which also has picnic areas and playgrounds, is a popular spot for family reunions, weddings and other gatherings.

Its rental facilities include Mapleknoll Lodge, Ellessdie Chapel and the Community Center auditorium.

During Halloween season, it also hosts Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion.

Readers also picked the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail as their go-to spot for hiking, walking and biking.

The 13-mile multiuse linear park runs through the middle of the county along the former Maybrook Rail corridor in the towns of Poughkeepsie, LaGrange, Wappinger and East Fishkill.

It has a direct link to the Walkway Over the Hudson and the regional trail network.

It is often used for organized races, including the Walkway Marathon and several charity fundraisers.

The park, the walkway and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, make up the Hudson Valley Trail Network, which was recently voted into Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s 2016 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.

Readers also tapped Molinaro as their favorite politician in 2016.

Molinaro was only 18 when he was elected as a village trustee in Tivoli in 1994. A year later, he became its mayor, the youngest person to hold that office in the U.S.

He has also served on the Dutchess County Legislature and was a state assemblyman.

Currently serving his second four-year term as county executive, Molinaro has focused on making government more accessible and open to public conversations.

Last year, he launched the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative which seeks to change the way individuals, businesses, organizations and communities relate to people neighbors with special needs.

Other categories that Hudson Valley readers weighed in on were: dining, kids and pets, shopping, recreation, services and health and beauty.

To read Hudson Valley’s entire “Best of” survey results, click here.

The “Best of Hudson Valley” 2016 party, which showcases this year’s winners, will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. 

Abilities First, a Poughkeepsie-based organization that serves people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities, is the charity beneficiary of this year’s “Best of the Hudson Valley” party, Molinaro said.

For more information, visit http://www.hvmag.com.

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