MILLBROOK — Two major additions to Bennett Park in Millbrook are expected to open in the coming weeks, with public restrooms scheduled to be completed by the end of August and a long-delayed Woodland Trail on track to open by early October.
Funded and organized by local nonprofit Millbrook Community Partnership, the 35 acre park opened on Oct. 5, 2025, after the demolition of Bennett College, which closed in 1970. Since then, the partnership has been in the process of building a public bathroom and completing a Woodland Trail, which have both been delayed.
Krista Fragos, special assistant to Oakleigh Thorne, president of the Millbrook Community Partnership, said work on the trail was pushed back after the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation approved the project later than anticipated.
The Woodland Trail will begin in the park and extend to the property line on Franklin Avenue.
“It’s going to be beautiful. There’s an upper loop that circles a natural waterfall, and then there are two bridges that go over the stream,” Fragos said. “That’ll be a really nice way for people to walk or hike from the village to the park.”
The trail will also be adorned with stone benches and signage. The partnership expects the trail to be completed by early October.
The public bathrooms will be open by the end of August. Construction on the building began after the opening, as the Millbrook Community Partnership negotiated a landswap with nearby condominiums. The building was at one time a poolhouse.
Fragos said that they’re waiting on a few materials, such as the countertops and stalls. The plumbing and tiling have been completed.
“We’re turning them into beautiful public restrooms for the park, and they’re coming along beautifully,” Fragos said. “They’re going to be elegant, simple restrooms.”
There will also be an additional parking lot near the restrooms.
Once the trail and bathrooms are complete, the partnership will begin to raise funds for a lookout tower and a new bandshell, although the park has already hosted live music and events.
The lookout tower will be constructed with stones preserved from Bennett College, and funding will come from community donations.
One Millbrook resident said she has used the park almost weekly since it opened.
“It’s a good place, it’s beautiful,” the resident said, adding that it’s very convenient to use particularly for seniors. “I love it.”
Barriers block access to the Woodland Trail while crews complete construction.Photo by Eloise Pickering
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Sadie, center, a Carolina dog, plays with her friend Negra, a terrier mix. Bella Linda, the small poodle, has since been adopted.L. Tomaino
Wesley, a young, exuberant mix, is looking for an active home.L. Tomaino
Bonnie and Clyde, an affectionate terrier pair.L. Tomaino
