BETHLEHEM, N.Y. — Today, Senator Patricia Fahy and Town of Bethlehem Supervisor David VanLuven were joined by Bethlehem Town Board Members, the Bethlehem Department of Public Works, the Bethlehem Department of Parks & Recreation, the Capital Trail Alliance, and members of the public to cut the ribbon on a fully-finished Normans Kill Ravines Park, including three new bridges.

Normans Kill Ravines Park is Bethlehem’s newest park, featuring 155 acres of beautiful forests, ridges, wetlands, and more than a half mile of Normans Kill riverfront. It is laced with more than 5 miles of multi-use trails, including miles of new mountain biking and hiking trails. Funding for the three new bridges in the park was secured through a state capital grant designated by State Senator Patricia Fahy and funds raised by the Capital Trail Alliance, and are critical additions to the new park because they improve access for emergency responders and for Parks & Recreation maintenance staff.

Normans Kill Ravines Park was created in 2021 by dedicating a 76-acre Town parcel as parkland and through the purchase of 69 acres from the Normanside Country Club. It is the Town’s second largest park, trailing Elm Avenue Park by just 4 acres, and is becoming a popular destination for both expert mountain biking enthusiasts and hikers.

Senator Patricia Fahy secured $150,000 for the project and the Capital Trail Alliance raised $47,000. The total cost of the park was $226,460. Members of the public can find more information about the new park by visiting the Town of Bethlehem website here.

“Today’s ribbon cutting of the Normans Kill Ravines Park illustrates how state-local partnerships can help transform our communities and improve quality of life for residents across the Capital Region,” said Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “I’m proud to have been able to secure $150,000 for the Town of Bethlehem’s newest park and I encourage mountain bike enthusiasts and hikers alike to visit this new, 145-acre public space. I want to thank Supervisor David VanLuven and members of the Bethlehem Town Board for once again delivering for town residents and for their continued partnership. Happy hiking and riding!”

David VanLuven, Town Supervisor: “These bridges help further open the beautiful Normans Kill Ravines Park to hikers and cyclists. Thanks to Senator Fahy and the Capital Trail Alliance for helping make a great park even better!”

Jason Gallo, Administrator of Parks & Recreation: “This project had many unique challenges throughout the process but we are very proud of final product. Thank you Senator Fahy, all the various donors for their generosity, Young Landscapes, and the numerous stakeholders for their input.”

Gene Primomo, Capital Trail Alliance: "Capital Trail Alliance is proud to partner with the Town on these new bridges, an important step in making Normans Kill Ravines Park a destination for inclusive outdoor recreation and education. We look forward to continuing this work to create youth-focused mountain biking opportunities in our own backyard."

Steve Kroll, Delmar-Bethlehem EMS: “These bridges improve accessibility and make the park a safer place for the community to enjoy. If someone does become ill or injured in the park, the bridges help us to rapidly get them the emergency care they need. We thank Senator Fahy and the Capital Trail Alliance for helping pave the way for a quick and safe emergency response in the Normans Kill Ravines.”

Art Siegel, Delmar Fire Department: “As more residents make use of this beautiful park, it becomes even more critical that our volunteer firefighters gain swift and safe access to these remote areas. The new bridges will enhance our ability to bring life-saving personnel and apparatus to those in need, and will enable us to more effectively preserve our natural resources from the ravages of fire.”

Albany County Legislature Chair Joanne Cunningham said: Normans Kill Ravines Park is a jewel of Albany County, and I am thrilled that New York State - through our great friend Senator Fahy - continues to support the Town of Bethlehem in its stewardship of this incredible natural resource. With the leaves about to change, I know these bridges will help more people enjoy just how breathtaking the park is.

Maureen Cunningham, Town Board member: “Parks and protected areas are where this community comes alive - and with Senator Fahy’s support, Bethlehem’s green and open spaces like Normans Kill Ravines Preserve will thrive for generations.”

David DeCancio, Town Board member: “The three new bridges at Normans Kill Ravines Park is a perfect example of what can be achieved through public-private partnerships. By working together, we've not only improved access for park visitors but also ensured that this beautiful space can be properly maintained and enjoyed for generations to come.”

Tom Schnurr, Town Board member: "We’re proud to open these new bridges and trails as a resource for our entire community – a place where families can connect with nature, neighbors can come together, and everyone can enjoy the beauty of Bethlehem for generations to come. This is just one of many park improvements that I am proud to support and there will be more to come."

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