The City of Peekskill is hosting a grand reopening ceremony of Fleischmann Pier and Charles Point Park on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Charles Point Park located on John Walsh Boulevard in Peekskill, NY. The ceremony is open to the public, with a ribbon cutting to be held at approximately 12:30 pm.
“I am excited for the reopening ceremony of Fleischmann Pier and Charles Point Park, and look forward to seeing everyone in the community come out for an afternoon of fun,” said Mayor Vivian McKenzie. “Fleischmann Pier and Charles Point Park are an asset to our waterfront, and we are extremely grateful to have this here in our city. I would like to thank our Planning Department and all of our city staff for all their hard work in making these projects come to life.”
Everyone in the community is welcome to attend and enjoy the afternoon, which will feature a food truck, live music from local guitarist John Ferrer, a children’s scavenger hunt, complimentary boat tours from New York Boat Company at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm, and a commemorative keychain giveaway while supplies last. The Discover Peekskill shuttle will run from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm with stops at the Gazebo on Park Street and Division Street, Riverfront Green, and Fleischmann Pier.
Fleischmann Pier was a key part of the operation for the Fleischmann Company, which was a large operation at Charles Point and a major economic force in the city, becoming the largest yeast manufacturer in the world. By 1915, the company’s facility spanned 65 acres, with over 125 buildings and employed more than 1,000 people. The original pier was constructed in 1938 to efficiently transport molasses, a vital ingredient in yeast production.
“The rebuilding of Fleischmann Pier and Charles Point Park opens up an entirely new potential for tourism and economic development in Peekskill,” said Bill Powers, Executive Director, Peekskill Business Improvement District. “With the arrival of boats–big and small–visitors will disembark to discover what Peekskill has to offer: fine dining, rich history, outstanding entertainment, and amazing public art.”
“The Department of State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program are paving the way to bringing back our downtowns through projects like Fleischmann Pier and Charles Point Park,” said Walter T. Mosely, Secretary of State of New York. “The improvements and upgrades made to the park and the pier will provide residents and visitors with new recreational opportunities and modern amenities, making it a premier waterfront destination. Congratulations to the City of Peekskill on the completion of this exciting project.”
The Fleischmann Pier and Charles Point projects were made possible by the New York State Department of State Environmental Protection Fund – Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Grant and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). The enhancements for Fleischmann Pier include a new pier at almost 500 feet in length that can accommodate large vessels, two floating docks for smaller boats, and an ADA kayak launch. Additional enhancements for Fleischmann Pier include benches and viewing devices to maximize the viewing experience. The City is also in the process of identifying commercial boat operators to begin utilizing the pier this fall.
The enhancements for Charles Point Park include an expanded parking lot, concession area, bus drop-off, the installation of a gazebo and trellis, and the installation of a restroom to be added later this fall. The completion of these projects will improve the city’s waterfront infrastructure, revitalize the waterfront district, encourage tourism, and provide spaces that can be used for programming throughout the year.
For additional information about the grand reopening ceremony, please contact Cathy Santacoloma at (914) 734-4212.
