A call for ideas for Rensselaer Riverfront Park
One of the murals in Rensselaer's Riverfront Park.
The city of Rensselaer is looking to make some improvements to its Riverfront Park -- and it's hoping you have some ideas.
There's a quick online survey asking people about their preferences for updated park amenities such as new lighting, pathways, benches, or even the many murals that are around the park. The survey will be collecting responses through November 15. (There are also physical copies of the survey at City Hall and the Rensselaer Public Library.)
Ketura Vics -- the assistant director of planning and development for Rensselaer -- said the city has $125,000 state grant via Assembly member John McDonald to pay for improvements, so it wants to get a sense of what's important to people. And while the city won't be able to make every suggested improvement -- that money will only go so far -- the feedback will also allow the city to plan for the future.
Speaking of the future... Rensselaer recently officially opened a new esplanade just a bit north of Riverfront Park. And Vics said via email the city is thinking about the bigger picture here: "As the city continues to grow and develop, we hope to have trails all along the waterfront and through the city that are connected via 'complete street' designs in order to improve access and mobility throughout our small, linear city."
Albany-Rensselaer
We've mentioned this a few times before, but it's worth saying again: The cities of Albany and Rensselaer could both benefit from a better pedestrian/bike/whatever connection across the river.
Between the improvements in Corning Riverfront Park, the planned Albany Skyway, the development at the Rensselaer esplanade, the plans for the Albany South End Connector and the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail, and maybe even the gondola (who knows), there are possibilities to create an interesting cross-river interactions and area that includes parks and trails and even commuting.
It's just one more reason to think about how to incorporate a pedestrian/bike path on the next version of the nearby Livingston Ave Bridge. And for both Albany and Rensselaer to collaborate on a future.
Earlier
+ Checking out the new Rensselaer esplanade
+ Taking in the murals in Rensselaer's Riverfront Park
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
I can't wait to use all those trails to walk along the construction dump, the sewage treatment facility and the soon to be $35M trash fuel plant. Keep it classy Rensselaer!!
... said C on Oct 4, 2018 at 10:57 AM | link
I sometimes wonder why I visit most towns and cities in the Capital Region for one reason or another, but never ever do I have a reason to go to Rensselaer.
... said Sean on Oct 4, 2018 at 12:00 PM | link
So...because the park happens to be somewhat nearby a municipal treatment plant and a dump, they should take that $125,000 and throw it in the garbage? I'm not sure I follow the logic of "because it's terrible, keep it terrible." They have access to the funds to help improve the park. Last time I checked that's a good thing.
I like the funky murals; whenever I had to do work in Rensselaer I would enjoy driving by the park on my way back into Albany. The "this is happening in your city right now!" is probably my favorite.
... said Paulsome on Oct 5, 2018 at 1:00 PM | link
Murals you should put money into the murals they add character and can Provide vital information in location finding
... said Mahodd Harvin on Oct 5, 2018 at 3:58 PM | link
Mural artwork. Murals express not only a state of mind but something that people of the community can relate to.
... said Mahodd Harvin on Oct 5, 2018 at 4:02 PM | link
I'm curious how AOA found out about the survey? I'm a Rensselaer resident, and I have not been contacted by the city regarding this. The city is really terrible about communication. Basically I get bills from them, an update on trash holidays, and update on the water contamination issue, and that's it.
... said Megan M on Oct 5, 2018 at 8:14 PM | link
@Megan: I saw it on the city's Twitter feed and then reached out to the planning department.
... said Greg on Oct 6, 2018 at 7:29 AM | link