Next week, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater will return to Bear Mountain State Park, docking within the park for the first time in over fifteen years. This long-awaited return was made possible through a collaborative partnership with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the NY State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
“Returning to Bear Mountain State Park is an exciting opportunity to connect with students and families in Rockland and Orange Counties,” said David Toman, Executive Director of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. “Clearwater, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and NYS Parks share a deep commitment to connecting people with nature, history, and the Hudson River, and are thrilled to be returning to the park later this month.”
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “We are thrilled to welcome the Clearwater back to Bear Mountain State Park. The Clearwater’s return offers an exciting opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through their unparallelled education programs and strong community engagement along the Hudson River. We’re proud to support the historic replica’s mission and welcome it back to our park.”
Bear Mountain State Park, located 45-miles north of New York City spans 5,000 acres of open space, and is one of the most visited parks in the Northeast, hosting over 3 million visitors each year. Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, in service to their mission to protect the Hudson River and steward the next generation of Environmental Leaders, will host school groups, public sails, and deck tours on the historic Hudson River sloop.
“Returning to Bear Mountain is especially meaningful for me. As a former Clearwater Captain and crew before that, docking at Bear Mountain over three decades ago, offered a profound experience in this beautiful and dynamic part of the river,” said Samantha Hicks, Board President of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. “To see us return is inspiring, and a testament to the power of partnership.”
Palisades Interstate Park Commission Executive Director Joshua Laird said, “Having the Clearwater return to Bear Mountain after many years is a great cause for celebration. Through the collaboration of our organizations, we have a wonderful opportunity to amplify a message about the importance of understanding history and protecting the environment. The Commission is grateful to the Sloop Clearwater for bringing its important work back to Bear Mountain along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Hudson River.”
Clearwater will be hosting public and education sails at Bear Mountain State Park next weekend on Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17 with sails at 1pm and 5:30pm each day. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Additional sail dates from Bear Mountain will be listed as they are scheduled. To book public sail tickets, visit: clearwater.org/public-sails/. To book a Sailing Classroom educational field trip sail, visit:clearwater.org/education/sailing-classroom/.
