For years, people have taken in the beauty of the 632-acre Plotter Kill Preserve in Rotterdam, hiking the miles of trails and exploring its three waterfalls.
But its beauty was overshadowed by tragedy in 2015. Carly Sinnott, 17, was killed after falling during a 50-foot climb up one of the falls. Hikers say at times the trail can certainly be dangerous.
"When you're close to the waterfall, you really have to be careful," said Albany resident Pete Anderson.
"You think there would be a fence or some kind of barricade here," said hiker Jay Ochal.
Tuesday night, the Schenectady County Legislature voted to approve a $350,000 grant that will be used for safety improvements like new signs and observation areas at all three of the falls.
"It will greatly enhance the safety aspect of folks when they visit and allow us to connect all of the trails," said Schenectady County Legislature Chairman Anthony Jasneski.
Officials say, in the last five years, the park has seen a dramatic increase in visitors, and adding safety improvements are well overdue.
"This will make it much safer for the public and much more enjoyable for them as well," said Jasneski.
"If people are losing lives on these beautiful trails that are open to the public ... you can't have that happening. It has to be safe for everyone," said Ochal.
Officials say improvements will be in different phases that will start as early as this year.