The Rising

The Rising, situated within the expansive and historically significant Kensico Dam Plaza at Valhalla, NY 10595, USA, stands as a profound and deeply moving "Scenic Spot" within our community. This unique location is not merely a park; it is a sacred memorial, a work of art, and a tranquil natural setting, inviting local users to reflect, remember, and find peace. As a designated "Scenic Spot" on our platform, The Rising offers a unique blend of historical significance, artistic expression, and natural beauty, providing a multi-faceted experience for all who visit.

The environment of The Rising is one of profound serenity and natural beauty, juxtaposed with its solemn purpose. Located at the Kensico Dam Plaza, the memorial benefits from the grand scale of the dam itself, a monumental structure built in 1917, providing a dramatic backdrop. The plaza is vast, featuring open grassy areas, paved pathways, and well-maintained landscaping, including perennial plantings and park benches that invite quiet contemplation. The memorial itself is strategically placed at the intersection of various pathways and viewpoints, allowing its presence to extend into the surrounding landscape. Reviews from visitors consistently highlight the park's tranquil atmosphere, with one user noting, "I find myself coming here often. It’s quiet and serene with an abundance of nature all around." This peaceful environment makes it an ideal place for reflection, meditation, mindfulness, or simply enjoying a good book amidst nature's embrace. The visual lightness of The Rising, an 80-foot-high stainless steel sculpture, provides a striking counterpoint to the solidity of the dam, creating a harmonious blend of architectural and natural elements. The reflective quality of the stainless steel changes with the light of day, lending a dynamic quality to the structure, which appears even more startling at night, ensuring its impactful presence at all times.

While The Rising is primarily a memorial and a public park, its classification as a "Scenic Spot" implies certain services and goods that enhance the visitor experience and support its upkeep. The fundamental service offered is the provision of a respectful and accessible space for remembrance and reflection. This includes well-maintained grounds, clear pathways, and informational signage that explains the memorial's significance and lists the names of those it honors. The park itself, Kensico Dam Plaza, offers a wide range of services and amenities that complement a visit to The Rising, such as restrooms, picnic areas, and accessible pathways. For those seeking active recreation within the broader park setting, there are facilities for in-line skating, walking, and nature study. The presence of the Westchester County Department of Parks ensures regular maintenance and a commitment to keeping the area pristine. Regarding "goods for sale" in connection with a "Scenic Spot" like The Rising, these are typically not direct retail operations at the memorial itself. Instead, they often involve supporting the memorial through charitable contributions. The Westchester Parks Foundation, for instance, serves as the custodian of an endowment fund dedicated to the upkeep and ongoing care of The Rising and its surrounding gardens and landscaping. Donations to this fund ensure that the memorial remains an everlasting tribute for generations to come. This makes "supporting the memorial" a key "service" in the broader sense, allowing individuals to contribute to the preservation of this important site. Educational materials, such as brochures about the memorial or the history of 9/11 in Westchester County, could also be considered "goods" that enhance understanding and connection to the site, though these might be offered freely or through park visitor centers rather than direct sales at the memorial.

The features of The Rising are both artistically compelling and deeply meaningful. At its core, it is Westchester County's official September 11th Memorial, dedicated to the 109 Westchester residents who tragically lost their lives on that day. The memorial, designed by internationally renowned architect Frederic Schwartz, is an 80-foot-high stainless steel sculpture comprising 109 intertwining steel rods that rise skyward, symbolizing individuals bound together as a community, reaching towards the heavens. At the circular base of the structure, known as the "Circle of Remembrance," are engraved granite stones bearing the names of those who died, along with a personalized quote about them provided by their loved ones. This intimate detail makes the memorial profoundly personal for visitors, as noted by a reviewer who stated, "Great reminder of those who we lost. Take a moment to honor those who lost their life on that sad day. As a work of art it’s amazing." Another reviewer adds, "The memorial is a gentle reminder for those who we lost from Westchester County who worked at the World Trade Center including first responders." The open, approachable design allows people of all ages and abilities to view it and move through it, fostering an immersive and accessible experience. In 2021, a new section was added adjacent to The Rising, the 9/11 First Responders Memorial, honoring those who have since succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses, further expanding the memorial's scope and significance. This new memorial consists of two stone veneer walls with engraved tablets, and an "Eternal Light" centered between them, signifying a permanent tribute. The presence of a steel beam from the Twin Towers within the Kensico Dam Plaza further connects the site directly to the events of 9/11, adding another layer of solemnity and authenticity.

For local users, The Rising is promoted as a vital community landmark and a place of quiet contemplation and shared remembrance. Promotional information emphasizes its role as a sacred space where the community can gather annually for memorial services, offering a poignant opportunity to honor those lost and those still suffering from 9/11-related illnesses. These ceremonies, often featuring interfaith prayers, musical performances, and readings of names, reinforce the memorial's enduring significance. Beyond official ceremonies, The Rising is promoted as an everyday destination for personal reflection. Its serene and quiet environment is highlighted as ideal for meditation, mindfulness, or simply finding a peaceful respite from daily life. Local users are encouraged to visit at any time of year, as the changing seasons bring different qualities to the reflective stainless steel and surrounding landscape. The accessibility of the memorial and the broader Kensico Dam Plaza, with its wide, hard-surfaced pathways, means it is suitable for visitors of all ages and mobilities. The integration of The Rising within the larger park also means it can be part of a longer visit, perhaps combining a reflective moment at the memorial with a walk along the Bronx River Parkway Reservation or enjoying other park amenities. Promotional efforts often call upon the community to support the memorial's endowment fund, framing it as a collective responsibility to preserve this important tribute for future generations. The Rising is presented not just as a memorial, but as a living testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of Westchester County.

The Rising

Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA