Vaux and Olmsted were well known for creating open spaces that promoted the well-being of the public, and they favored naturalistic, rustic, and curving landscape designs.

The observatory, designed by Calvert's son Downing Vaux, rested on the highest point in the park, commanding spectacular Hudson River views.

The Polly’s natural stone Shelter House, designed by local architect Gordon Marvel was added in 1934 and served as a place for visitors to change into skates and enjoy cups of hot chocolate during the cold winter months.

Other amenities in the park include an amphitheater to the north of the polly, host to many local concerts and festivals in the summer months.

There are also brown mallards, wood ducks, snapping turtles, peregrine falcons, and visiting Canada geese.

[2] It also hosts the Newburgh Farmers' Market from July through October,[3] and an annual Tuskegee Airmen's Family Day., and an annual Easter Egg Hunt[2][4] The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra hold free Summer Pops Concerts at Downing Park.