Cadets Build Trail Bridge In Schunnemunk State Park

CORNWALL, NY — A second pedestrian trail bridge has opened at Schunnemunk State Park, thanks to the Open Space Institute and collaborators, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

The project marks the seventh year of cooperation between OSI and the cadets.

"Our work with the U.S. Military Academy continues to yield remarkable results, with each class of cadets bringing forth innovative designs that enhance our state parks," said Peter Karis, OSI's vice president of parks and stewardship. "This new Schunnemunk Meadows bridge expands recreational opportunities and stands as an enduring testament to the cadets' expertise and dedication to service. Working with our future Army leaders is always a highlight of our year."

Constructed by a team of five Civil Engineering cadets, with two faculty advisors, the new bridge offers an elevated pathway across a marshy swale.

Serving as a capstone project for their senior year, this project provided the cadets with invaluable hands-on design, management, logistics and construction experience as they prepare for their future careers. Led Klosky, Professor of Civil Engineering at West Point, expressed profound satisfaction with the project's outcome.

“These bridge projects serve as a unique training ground for our cadets, honing essential skills like design, construction, project management, and teamwork—qualities indispensable for U.S. Army officers. Confronting the challenges of remote construction adds an extra layer of complexity," Klosky said. "The team's success with the Schunnemunk Meadow Bridge is commendable; their hard work and dedication delivered functionality and enduring elegance that will withstand the test of time.”

The steel arch bridge was built to support year-round, multi-use recreational access, including hiking, biking, running, and cross-country skiing.

"It was a great experience working through such a complex problem," said Cadet Skyler Johnston, who acted as project manager for the cadet team. "The rolling hills inspired the arch. We wanted to complement the natural scenery so that the bridge adds to the landscape. The scope of this project helped me build my confidence."

Located within the viewshed of the historic Moodna Viaduct, Schunnemunk Meadows was permanently protected by OSI in 2015 and transferred to the state in 2018 as an addition to Schunnemunk State Park, with OSI managing the land through 2028. Over the past two decades, OSI has protected more than 3,300 acres to create and expand Schunnemunk State Park for public benefit and enjoyment.

"Schunnemunk State Park is a true gem, offering incredible mountain top views and rolling meadows for hiking, biking, running, and skiing," said State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons.

OSI’s ongoing connection with West Point has yielded eight trail bridges. Earlier projects have been completed at Harriman State Park, and five bridge replacements were completed along the School Mountain Road section of the Hubbard Perkins Loop Trail at Fahnestock State Park.

Generous donations from community partners, including John Bernauer, President of Industrial Services Enterprises, have played a vital role in the project's success. Bernauer's support includes a donation of $13,000 worth of steel for the bridge, and mentorship. Bernauer rallied his colleagues at Metals USA and Greiner Industries to fabricate and roll the steel needed for the arch.

“It's an honor to guide these impressive cadets, supporting them in bringing their vision from concept to reality. Playing a part in crafting infrastructure that not only enriches the community but also molds the future of these emerging leaders is immensely fulfilling. My sincere appreciation goes out to Metals USA and Greiner Industries for their indispensable support and partnership in bringing these projects to fruition,” Bernauer said.

The Schunnemunk Meadows bridge project is part of a larger effort led by OSI to build a formal shared-use trail network in Orange County. After decades of OSI’s work to create and expand Schunnemunk State Park, OSI is partnering with OPRHP to build a 2.4-mile loop trail through Schunnemunk Meadows that will connect the Otterkill Road Trailhead to the future Schunnemunk Rail Trail.

OSI has undertaken significant efforts to develop the primary segments of the Schunnemunk Meadows Trail and enhance the Otterkill Road Trailhead. These endeavors, spearheaded by Lucy Waletzky's leadership, entail substantial financial investment. In 2022, OSI secured a $500,000 Environmental Protection Fund grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993. Additionally, the project benefits from a grant of $250,000 from the Hudson River Valley Greenway.

The vision to create the Schunnemunk Meadows Trail was outlined as a top priority project in OSI’s Highlands West Trail Connectivity Plan, an OSI-created plan that establishes a vision for an interconnected trail system spanning more than 93,000 acres of protected land in the region. The Schunnemunk Meadows Trail will expand recreational opportunities for the public and further establish Schunnemunk State Park as a destination easily accessible from the New York metropolitan area. Phase One of the Schunnemunk Meadows Trail project is anticipated to be completed by winter 2025.

SEE ALSO:

• West Point Cadets Design, Build Trail Bridge In Harriman State Park
• Colonel, Daughter Finish Trail Bridge Designed By West Point Cadets
• West Point Cadets Build 2nd Bridge In Fahnstock Park