Hurley Heritage Society, Ribbon Park

The Ribbon Park was started about 18 years ago at what the HHS considered to be the very unattractive entrance to Hurley. What was there at the time was a metal guard rail and ditch. They started by putting a trapezoid shaped planter with shrubs and bushes facing Rt. 209 and over over the years have added a row of redbud trees, weeping apple trees, spirea and burning bushes. Bulbs, perennials and annuals are added every year. The Park is especially beautiful in the Spring when the redbuds are blooming.

Thanks to all members of HHS who over the years have participated in this wonderful addition to Hurley. Special thanks to Emily Marchetti who was the moving force in the beginning and to the Alternative Sentencing Work Crew of Ulster County, without whose help we would not be able to keep the garden looking as it does. Thanks also to those who have made donations towards the plantings in memory of loved ones.

On April 19, 2001 at a meeting of the Third District of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State, Joan Castka, Chairperson of HHS Ribbon Park Project, accepted an award called the "Unsolicited Landscape Design Award for the Third District Federated Garden Clubs of New York State, Inc. for a Non-Profit Organization". The award is given to an organization in Ulster County once every four years in the Spring. Members of this committee came unannounced to the Ribbon Park last summer to judge the plantings.

Landscape Design Award 14-B, given to a non-profit making organization, is presented to the Hurley Ribbon Park, in Hurley, New York. Hurley is a charming hamlet, with many beautiful stone houses, reminiscent of a by-gone era. The Hurley Ribbon Park flanks both sides of the road as one is entering the village of Hurley, from Route 209. It is a multi-seasonal garden of spectacular color. A mass of annuals and perennials is on the left bank as you enter , and this area includes a bench. The colors are purple, dark blue, light blue, with some yellow and pink. There is a line of redbud trees along the road, with purple plums and weeping cherries artistically arranged throughout.

In the fall, the border is amassed with ornamental cabbages in tones of purple and blue, and with chrysanthemums. Other plants include Stella d'oro lilies, coreopsis, cosmos, iris, potentilla, spirea, purple wave petunias, May Night salvia, and ageratum. It is a beautiful combination of colors. The grass was neatly clipped on both sides.

Two signs, one at each end, proclaimed the name of the park for all who pass. This park was set up for drivers entering the village of Hurley, to enjoy, and it enhances this lovely village.