A cool breeze lifted up over the Hudson River as a yellow ribbon was cut to officially dedicate the Kathryn Wasserman Davis RiverWalk Center at Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow.

The original building, opened in 1926, was constructed as a bathhouse and pavilion to accommodate those flocking to the popular Kingsland Point beach on the shores of the Hudson. After time, the structure became a graffiti scarred derelict as swimming in the river became less popular and the beach washed away in a storm.

And in stepped the 104-year-old Kathryn Davis, a Tarrytown resident and long-time admirer of all the river has to offer. Davis spotted the bathhouse from her home and set out on a mission to have it restored.

"It's been a long battle, but it's been worth it," Davis said. "I didn't think it would happen this soon, but they kept saying it would be finished by summer and here it is."

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino recalled hearing of Mrs. Davis looking at the ruined structure and saying, “We can’t have that.”

"She deserves all the credit," Astorino said. "She took a personal interest in restoring this building for the benefit of the community."

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

And as of today, the structure is open for public use.

Meg Rasmussen, the project manager for Scenic Hudson, led dozens of people on a tour of the facility that includes an open air pavilion (complete with a Yoga class in mid-session) and ground-floor areas that will host a not-for-profit sailing school, a kayak rental operation and classrooms for environmental education programs.

“The pavilion underwent a top to bottom restoration,” said Rasmussen. "But the work so echoed the original construction that, despite modern requirements such as sprinklers and safety lighting, the structure very closely resembles that of the 1926 one.”

Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson said the opening represented a "combination of partnership and vision.” Sullivan reminded those in attendance that Mrs. Davis  remains “a regular kayaker on the river."

"She has allowed the link between local residents and the river she so loves, to be restored,” he said.

Sullivan went on the thank other donors who generously supported the project including John and Constance Curran, Lucy Waletzky, David Swope, Maarten and Claudia van Hengel, George and Rachel Gumina, and Clare Pierson.

Also in attendance was Sleepy Hollow Mayor Ken Wray who commented on the importance of the new center to the village.

“Mrs. Davis and all the partners and supporters have given Sleepy Hollow an extraordinary gift," he said. "Restoring this classic building provides a beautiful gathering place people will enjoy for many, many years."

Of those who will benefit the most are school children. Scenic Hudson and the Beczak Environmental Education Center will conduct river-based programming for students during the week. In the evenings and on the weekends, some courses for the residents and seniors will also be available. Other sections of the center will be open for picnics and parties.

Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett, who has lived in Tarrytown his entire life, had memories of the old Bathhouse and was pleased to see it restored.

"I used to play baseball across the way in DeVries Park and saw how deteriorated this building had become," he said. "But now it's all been turned around, and we're excited for that."

For Davis, who was honored on numerous occasions throughout the afternoon, she hopes that residents will make use of the center that now bears her name.

"I am very excited by it," she said. "I hope everyone uses it; there are so many possibilities for having a good time here."

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