Cornerstone Park

The Cornerstone Park concept is based on the renovation of a central square – often the gas station - in the historic downtown of our older communities, reviving these centers and creating much needed greenspaces and tourism related services.  It is designed to enhance economic revitalization efforts with aesthetic improvements and by creating public space in a downtown area.

Laura Spain Memorial Cornerstone Park

1 Fair Street, Carmel, NY  10512

In 2002, Preserve Putnam County collaborated with Putnam County to design and develop a public park with welcome center and historical museum at the corner of Fair Street and Route 52 in downtown Carmel. The property, a former gasoline and service station, was donated to Preserve Putnam County by the Spain family for the purpose of creating a park. This public/private partnership sets a precedent for transforming a gasoline station into a center for cultural activities and creating a new green space in a business district. The park opened to the public on September 17, 2004. 

Includes views of historic downtown Carmel, the history of the American Gas Station, and a synopsis of Spain Family history.

A memorial honoring Putnam County’s 911 Heros was unveiled on November 16, 2002. The names of eight residents who were killed at the World Trade Center on September 11th are inscribed in black granite and was made possible through donations from many local organizations, businesses and individuals.