After several years of fundraising and planning, the Town of Shawangunk Community Clock is nearing completion.

The clock is located in the Hamlet of Wallkill at the head of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and across the street from the police station on Wallkill Avenue. The green four-sided electronic clock features gold trimming as well as LED backlighting technology, giving passerby a clear view of the time. There is a festive component to the clock, as it has the ability to play seasonal music throughout the year timed to various holidays. Residents and businesses were given the opportunity to show support for their community by having their family name or business name cast into the base of the clock. One side of the clock base is reserved for listing “In Memory Of” names. There is more work to be done, however the clock is in place and working. Now brass plaques need to be installed and landscaping needs to be done.

Richard Barnhart, a Hamlet of Wallkill resident, has been spearheading the clock project. He is now looking for ideas to plan a landscape design for the area around the clock and the head of the rail trail. The center space is 26 feet long and 42 inches wide. Barnhart is also looking to landscape the area that runs up to the park benches. Ideas can be sent to the Count Down to the Shawangunk Community Clock Facebook page or to Barnhart’s personal Facebook page.

“We have a bit more work to do, but we’re happy the clock is in place and working,” Barnhart said. “Thank you to all the supporters.”

There was tremendous support for this project. In 2018 the Town of Shawangunk Community Clock Fund was established at the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. The Montgomery-based organization was created in 1999 to help establish charitable funds for good causes. The Town of Shawangunk Main Street Revitalization Committee raised over $20,000 to fund the clock.

“We were looking for ways to improve the appearance of the town,” said Alex Danon, the chair of the committee.

He added that the clock brings nostalgic character to the hamlet.

Barnhart did additional fundraising on his own. He is excited to finish the project and continues to develop ideas on how to improve the appearance of the area surrounding the clock.

“Maybe we need some more lighting in the area,” he said. “That is a possibility to further enhance the area. All ideas are welcome.”