109 Acres of Green Space Located in the City of Newburgh

Nestled in the heart of Newburgh, Crystal Lake is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature retreat, a place to connect with the community, or an opportunity to get involved in conservation efforts, this space has something for everyone. With its scenic views, diverse wildlife, and exciting events, Crystal Lake is a vibrant hub of recreation and restoration.

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Crystal Lake and Snake Hill are the Lungs of Newburgh.

Designating Crystal Lake and Snake Hill Trail as a park and nature preserve would more than double Newburgh’s parkland and achieve equity for the surrounding neighborhood, which is 71% Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

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Partner with us to improve the quality of green spaces provided to the Newburgh community. Help us ensure that more people have access to green space. Innovate with us to generate new ideas and strategies.

Who We Are

A community-led movement to designate Crystal Lake as a public park, a 109 acre green-space currently owned by the City of Newburgh. Designating Crystal Lake as a park would achieve equity for the surrounding neighborhood, which is 71% BIPOC and is the only ward in the city without a significant park and recreational opportunities afforded by protected lands.

We are grateful to be working with the City of Newburgh as they continue to explore the possibility of Crystal Lake’s designation as a public park. Showing community support is essential to make this a reality.

Our Mission

The NWaPC works to create a safe, inclusive, and ecologically vibrant park that fosters community connection, environmental stewardship & restoration, and equitable access to nature. By preserving Crystal Lake, we aim to ensure future generations can enjoy its beauty, learn from its history, and engage in meaningful outdoor experiences.Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we unite residents, organizations, and volunteers to protect, restore and revitalize this vital green space.

Celebrate Crystal Lake

We believe you only protect what you love. So show your support for protecting Crystal Lake by showing up for upcoming free events and community activities that celebrate all that Crystal Lake has to offer our community through hiking, community gardening, boating, fishing, environmental stewardship, art & wellness workshops, shared community meals, and family friendly activities.

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Friends of Crystal Lake

One thing we all love about living in the City of Newburgh is that we are a community defined by diversity. And one thing that unites Newburghers across all of our diversity is that we all want more parks and protected greenspaces. A Friend of Crystal Lake is any resident, business, or community-based organization that supports Crystal Lake’s permanent protection as Newburgh’s largest greenspace. Here’s why some Friends of Crystal Lake say they joined the NWaPC:

"Establishing Crystal Lake as a nature preserve would help protect the local ecosystem and biodiversity. Preserving this natural area can safeguard native plants and wildlife species, creating a habitat for various organisms. It would contribute to ecological balance, promote conservation, and support the overall health of the environment."

Michael Thron, survey participant
"This project could make a rela tively easy change that would have a massive positive impact in the environmental and social fabric of our community."

Julian de Mayo, local Newburgh resident
"Portions of the town and city have endured decades of pollution and ecological damage, in addition to a low quality of life for much of the city’s population. This propos- al could potentially engage and inspire the local youth and improve the community’s mental and physical health, while benefiting the natural environment."

Daniela Parrino, Newburgh Resident
"Having a park allows people to have a place to gather, where there isn't an expectation that they will be spending money. In addition, it puts central the need for rest, which often those experiencing poverty and/or working multiple jobs do not take the time for. Rest is important for our health, and having a place within the city would help to allow more people to do that."

- Alexis McKoy-Yakle, Newburgh local resident

Want to become a Friend of Crystal Lake?

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Capturing Community Voices

Through the NWaPC’s Youth Media Parks Program facilitated by Betty Bastidas, young Newburgh storytellers learn media production skills to capture the voices of our community, showcasing the lake’s beauty and the stories that make it special. Check out past stories featured on our YouTube channel and be part of this growing archive by sharing your own. Together, we can highlight the importance of designating Crystal Lake as a public park and the largest natural greenspace in our city, inspiring others to become Friends of Crystal Lake and help us protect this cherished space.

Why Newburgh Needs More Greenspaces

Newburgh faces pollution and fewer green spaces. Protecting Crystal Lake gives people a healthy place to enjoy nature and speak up for the environment.
Crystal Lake helps clean the air, saves plants and animals, and fights pollution. Keeping it safe means more nature, food, and fun for everyone.1
Spending time outside lowers stress, boosts mood, and keeps people healthy. Protecting Crystal Lake will help families enjoy the outdoors for years.
Many Hudson Valley cities protect green spaces. Newburgh can join them, helping people grow food, create jobs, and keep nature safe for the future.
Item Homes near parks are worth more. Protecting Crystal Lake makes the community a better place to live while helping families and businesses grow.