Friends of Hiddenbrooke formed in February of 2005 for the purpose of encouraging the City of Beacon to preserve the last remaining parcels of open space in the city, and in particular to save the historic Hiddenbrooke property, which was in imminent danger of development.

By means of petition, attending City Council meetings, and letter writing, Friends of Hiddenbrooke have urged the City council to:

• Preserve Hiddenbrooke as a peaceful refuge where passive recreational activities can be enjoyed by all citizens and visitors.

• Preserve the forested sections of Hiddenbrooke to foster flood control and ground water filtration.

• Comply with county, state, and federal guidelines for the conservation of opens pace and farmland.

• Create a sustainable community-based horticultural program on the open fields of Hiddenbrooke that historically have been farmland.

Towards the accomplishment of these goals, Friends of Hiddenbrooke supports the City Council’s decision to adopt a bond resolution to provide part of the funding for purchase of Hiddenbrooke. Looking beyond the City of Beacon securing title to the property, we are offering suggestions for its future recreational and educational uses. In keeping with the history of Hiddenbrooke as a place of quiet retreat, we envision a refuge where people will be able to escape hectic lives and enjoy the beauty and solitude of nature only a few minutes from their homes. Accordingly, recreational uses should be limited to such low-impact activities as walking the easily accessible walkways and trails. In keeping with the history of Hiddenbrooke as an agricultural site, educational use could focus on the creation of a gardening program in collaboration with the Beacon schools and community.