Private beach goes public

SPARROWBUSH, N.Y. — The formerly private Sparrowbush Beach, known as “Number 2 Beach” to locals, is now public, purchased by Orange County for use as a river rescue launch point by the fire department and other first-responders.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus this week said the county has preserved 17.32 acres along the Delaware River in the hamlet of Sparrowbush. A recognition ceremony and ribbon-cutting formally announcing the acquisition, more than four years in the making, is tentatively scheduled for spring.

The beach is expected to enhance emergency services in Port Jervis, Deerpark, Westfall, Matamoras, and other Delaware River localities. In addition, the public will be able to use the beach for boating, fishing, and picnicking.

Funding for the project comes in part from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Environmental Protection Fund Municipal Grant program as well as a charitable donation from the land’s previous owners, Patterson Realty Associates. The conversion from private to public beach is part of the Upper Delaware River Corridor Collaboration Project.

“Orange County has been attempting to provide local residents with a reliable river rescue access point along the Delaware for more than four years, and in 2014 we got it done,” said Neuhaus. “Sparrowbush Beach will enhance public safety, economic development, and increase recreational opportunities for the approximately 250,000 people who visit this stretch of the river each year.”

A family's contribution
County Planning Commissioner David Church said the beach benefited from a timely charitable contribution from the Ridley-Patterson families, and a key grant from New York State.

Edward Ridley of Patterson Realty Associates said, “We are extremely pleased that our family’s desire to preserve Number 2 Beach for public enjoyment and safety has finally come to fruition. It seems very fitting that Orange County, which has long had a park on the Hudson River, now has one on the Delaware River adjacent to the National Park Service’s Scenic and Recreational section. This park will protect the land from development, preserve the history of the D&H Canal (which passes through this property), and provide fishing and swimming for the public as well as emergency access to the river for rescue. This beautiful section of the river is in full view of the Elephant Feet Rock cliffs across the river. The outstanding beauty of this section of the Delaware is now protected for all to enjoy."

Chief Jack Flynn of the Sparrowbush Engine Company welcomed the news.

“As a lifelong resident of Sparrowbush I am pleased with all the cooperative efforts that took place over the years in order to preserve and safeguard this valuable piece of property both for recreational uses and future rescue purposes,” said Flynn.