walkway, although at the time of a 2008 engineering survey of the bridge, there was "not a johnny on the spot." Pets are permitted, but owners should bring equipment to clean up. Bicycles and roller blades (but not skateboards) are permitted, and the walkway is flat and relatively wheelchair-friendly. The walkway connects with the Dutchess Rail Trail on the Poughkeepsie side and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail on the Highland side. The Dutchess Rail Trail additionally connects with the Maybrook Trailway in Hopewell Junction, making it part of a 40-mile continuous trail stretching from the village of Brewster to the village of New Paltz. All of these trails are part of the Empire State Trail. New additions On May 22, 2013, the Walkway Over the Hudson organization opened a new east pavilion, built entirely through donations of money and services. The pavilion will be occupied by the volunteers who serve as walkway ambassadors who greet and offer assistance to visitors. In October 2013, a "mobile web tour" was introduced, consisting of QR codes at locations on the walkway which link to Web content related to the spot. In summer 2014, an elevator connecting Upper Landing Park to the walkway was opened. This allows visitors to reach the center of the span via a more direct route. It also connects the walkway to the Poughkeepsie waterfront area, which is near the railroad station, Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, and Waryas Park. On June 29, 2018, the $5.4 million, 3,500-square-foot Ulster Welcome Center at the western gateway officially opened. The facility has a plaza and amphitheater, 1,400 square foot covered patio and concession stand and public restrooms. On June 20, 2019, the $3 million Dutchess Welcome Center at the eastern end of the park was dedicated and opened to the public. The 1,800 square-foot facility features restrooms, bike racks, tourist information, an outdoor patio with benches and a water fountain for dogs. Dual entrances are off Washington Street and Orchard Place. A new glassed-in elevator, opened on June 20, 2019, that takes visitors to the Walkway from Upper Landing Park has been rebuilt with new "energy chain" technology which will make operations more reliable. On October 25, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul dedicated the new East Gate Plaza for the Walkway Over The Hudson. The location, outside the Poughkeepsie entrance, doubled the gathering space on top of the Washington Street stairs. The space is suitable