City of Peekskill   Distance to NYC: 40 miles Area: 4.5 square miles   From the late 1600's when Jan Peeck established a trading post on Annsville Creek, Peekskill relied on the Hudson River for its business needs. During the 19th century it became a manufacturing center.   Now in the midst of revitalization, with emphasis shifting to the arts and state-of-the-art technology, Peekskill is fortunate to have reclaimed and retained much of the architecture and open space that defined its elegant past.   An Artist's District, a Business Improvement District, plus renovation and innovative use of several sizeable buildings are breathing new life into the central business district. Pleasant restaurants, galleries, boutique shopping, and a weekly farmers' market entice residents and visitors.   Educational Facilities In the eager and spirited Peekskill community, education of their youth is of prime importance. The city school system is administered and financed by a concerned and caring independent Board of Education There are six schools in the Peekskill School District: four elementary, one middle and one high school. A small portion of south Peekskill is in the Hendrick Hudson School District.   Recreational Facilities Peekskill’s 11 local parks offer every imaginable sport and activity. Depew Park features swimming, tennis, nature trails, a playground and a nature center. Charles Point - China Pier hosts the tall ships during Peekskill Celebration and provides a great spot for a picnic and river watching. Blue Mountain Reservation, the Westchester County-owned 1,600 acre park has 15 miles of marked hiking paths and bridle trails. Riverfront Green offers outdoor concerts and boating . M/V Commander,the historic excursion boat sails from Peekskill’s Riverfront Green on the last Saturday of every month from May - October, for a three-hour narrated cruise north into the Hudson Highlands. The Paramount Center for the Arts hosts top quality live entertainment, movies, gallery showings and educational programs.   Houses of Worship A large number of local churches and synagogues offers a vast denominational choice in Peekskill. Some of the church buildings date back as far as 1766, while others, such as the First Hebrew Congregation and the United Methodist Church, are strikingly modern structures. Several houses of worship are located in the immediate area serving the following denominations: Baptist, Episcopalian, Jehovah’s Witness, Jewish, Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic and non-denominational.