Wappinger Town Enters Into Agreement to Launch Farming at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park

Wappinger, NY – This morning, the Town of Wappinger formally entered into an agreement that would create agricultural community gardens at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park. During the June 13, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Wappinger Town Board, Brian and Courtney Kolb’s proposal to operate and maintain a one acre community garden site was unanimously accepted. The agreement strengthens the Town’s commitment to revitalizing Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park and enters into a productive public-private partnership to further improve the Park. Supervisor Richard L. Thurston signed the agreement between the Kolb family and the Town, today, during a ceremonial meeting at Carnwath Farms.

Residents interested in participating in this program are encouraged to monitor the Town website and social media for updates on registration and events.

Supervisor Thurston went on to say “We continue to move forward in accomplishing more at Carnwath. We have done a lot of leg work in getting this far and there is still much work to be done. This follows the Master Plan for the park and we are happy to see this one acre of the land come alive with crops again. With the Kolb’s’ taking on the operations of the site, we will also be able to encourage the students in our school district to also participate in agriculture in our Town. This agreement is a step in the right direction for getting more activity at Carnwath. I thank the Town Board for supporting this and other Carnwath projects.”

First Ward Councilman William H. Beale strongly supported the programs proposed by the Kolb family and stated, ” I thank the Kolb’s for bringing their agricultural background and expertise to our Town’s largest park. I look forward to a successful partnership.”

Dutchess County Legislator Joseph D. Cavaccini, who also advocated for this agreement, said “It is exciting to see this project come to fruition after 3 years. I commend the Kolb family for taking on this responsibility and willing to work to bring agricultural programming to our community. We are excited to see the increased use of Carnwath Farms that will allow us to continue to rehabilitate this site to be a true destination for our residents and visitors alike.”

Councilman Al Casella, Fourth Ward, who seconded the Resolution added, “The Town Board is actively working to ensure that our parks are used and properly maintained. I am proud to have supported this public-private partnership with the Kolb family to offer these community gardens at Carnwath Farms. We encourage all of our residents to visit Carnwath and all of the parks in our community.”