Columbia Land Conservancy Receives Grant to Upgrade Charles Williams Park

New recreation spaces, trails, and improved nature access coming to Hudson park

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) and partners have received a $675,000 grant from New York State's Environmental Protection Fund to transform Charles Williams Park in Hudson, New York. The upgrades will create new recreation amenities like a playground, basketball and pickleball courts, fitness stations, and improved trails and connections to the nearby Greenport property and Empire State Trail.

Why it matters

The project aims to establish Charles Williams Park as a vibrant community hub for outdoor recreation and access to nature. For decades, CLC has wanted to create a pedestrian connection from Hudson to its Greenport property, and this project is the first step in realizing that goal. The park upgrades will serve residents of all ages and abilities.

The details

Grant funds will support capital improvements including a destination playground with nature play features, a basketball court, two pickleball courts, a new pedestrian circulation system with connections to existing and proposed trails, adult fitness stations, improved stormwater infrastructure, and enhancements to biodiversity with native trees and plantings. Future plans include a new public restroom, splash pad, and a trail to connect the park to Greenport.

  • The grant was announced on February 16, 2026.

The players

Columbia Land Conservancy

A non-profit organization that works to conserve the farmland, forests, wildlife habitats and rural character of Columbia County, New York.

New City Parks

A non-profit organization focused on creating and improving public parks and green spaces in New York.

Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects

A landscape architecture firm that designed the upgrades for Charles Williams Park.

City of Hudson

The municipality where Charles Williams Park is located.

Troy Weldy

President of the Columbia Land Conservancy.

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What they’re saying

“This project is a key part of CLC's initiative to improve access to nature and was identified as a top priority in Common Ground, our recent county-wide planning effort. For decades, we've dreamed of creating a way for people to access CLC's Greenport property from Hudson on foot, and this project is the first step in making that dream come true.”

— Troy Weldy, President, Columbia Land Conservancy (Press Release)

“The park 'will serve as both a community destination and an essential pedestrian gateway to Greenport's natural areas. Designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities, the play area, picnic areas, and colorful sports courts are linked by a gentle loop path lined with benches and native Swamp White Oaks and Shadbush. The park is poised to foster multi-generational gatherings centered on fitness and play for years to come.”

— Gail Wittwer-Laird, Principal, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects (Press Release)

“Hudson is a city in transition. New City Parks is delighted the State has made this significant investment to upgrade Charles Williams Park to better meet the needs of residents. The completed park will not only provide a variety of much needed facilities for outdoor play and leisure, but will eventually serve as an incredible gateway to the treasures of the entire region.”

— Rose Harvey, Founder and Executive Director, New City Parks (Press Release)

What’s next

Future plans for the park include the installation of a new public restroom and splash pad, and building a trail to connect the park to the nearby Greenport property.

The takeaway

This project represents a significant investment in improving public green spaces and access to nature for the residents of Hudson. By transforming an underdeveloped park into a vibrant community hub, the upgrades will foster multi-generational gatherings, outdoor recreation, and connections to the surrounding natural areas.