The Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center at Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow is slated for completion this spring.

The refurbishment of the historic bathhouse located at the park has been a collaboration between Poughkeepsie-based Scenic Hudson, Westchester County Parks Department, and The Friends of Westchester County Parks.

Built in 1926, the large structure was originally used as a bathhouse and changing rooms for people flocking to the Kingsland Point Beach on the Hudson River. Over time, the bathhouse fell into disuse as swimming in the river became less popular and the beach washed away during a storm.

Enter Mrs. Kathryn Wasserman Davis, a philanthropist and Tarrytown resident. Mrs. Davis and the Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation awarded Scenic Hudson a bequest to preserve and protect properties along the Hudson, with $4 million earmarked for the renovation of the bathhouse.

Through an interest-free loan from The Pew Charitable Trusts and donations from other local philanthropists, Scenic Hudson has been able to advance funds for the project inspired by a bequest of Mrs. Davis and her family foundation.

The renovations began last fall. Although the building appears still a work in progress due to ongoing construction, visitors will notice a new roof and moldings and repaired external stucco.

"The main building will be an open air pavilion with picnic tables. From here, people will be able to enjoy views of the Hudson River. It will be open to all park goers and may be rented out for parties and events," said Meg Rasmussen, Senior Park Planner for Scenic Hudson. "In addition, the building will feature classrooms that will be ideal for local environmental education classes."

Rasmussen added that the "village would like to lease the lower level areas to nonprofit organizations or businesses that would provide water-related recreational activities. Scenic Hudson supports this effort and believes it would provide the highest realization of what the center could mean to the community."

As the weather turns cold, the contractors are finishing the last of the exterior work and will move inside to put the finishing touches on the interior in anticipation for the grand opening in spring.

"This collaboration, made possible by the generous support of Kathryn Davis and other donors, County Executive Rob Astorino and Friends of Westchester County Parks will transform a dilapidated building into a vibrant community resource," said Ned Sullivan, President of Scenic Hudson.

About the Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center:

The bathhouse is owned by Westchester County and maintained and operated by the Village of Sleepy Hollow. New York City architecture firm of Jan Hird Pokorney Associates, who specialize in historic renovations, is in charge of the design and Showcase Contracting out of Suffern is the general contractor.

About Scenic Hudson:

Scenic Hudson is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Hudson River, its riverfront and the majestic vistas and working landscapes beyond as an irreplaceable national treasure for America and a vital resource for residents and visitors. Visit them on the web at http://www.scenichudson.org