As our region continues to be "closed" due to COVID-19, summer is quickly approaching and we are all eager to get out and have fun. Thankfully, there are plenty of open places, like parks, hiking trails, nature preserves, golf courses and beaches to have fun in the sun in Westchester County, NY!
"We'll also open certain businesses statewide, which are low risk," Cuomo said in early May. "Landscaping, gardening, low-risk recreational opportunities like tennis, drive-in movie theaters. Talk about going back to the future. Back to drive-in movie theaters."
Please keep in mind that social distancing, CDC, Department of Health and state guidelines are a must. So don't forget your face masks (for now).
IMPORTANT: As information changes regularly, we suggest keeping an eye on these websites for the latest updates regarding outdoor openings and closings:
- Westchester County Parks COVID-19 Updates
- You can also check Westchester Parks for updates on Facebook or Twitter
- Westchester County Beaches and Pools- no updates posted yet but could be if pools open
- NY State Parks COVID-19 Page
- NY State Region Tracker (see Mid-Hudson)
NY State Parks
To search and find a NY State Park that is right for you, visit their website. You can search by name, location or amenity.
While indoor spaces and restrooms at State Parks and DEC’s public facilities may be closed to prevent community spread of COVID-19, parks, grounds, forests, and trails are open during daylight hours, seven days a week. Many park facilities including playgrounds, athletic courts/fields, and visitor and nature centers are closed. While enjoying outdoor spaces, please continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/State Department of Health (DOH) guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19. If you do plan on visiting, visit parks close to home, avoid crowded areas, and wear face coverings where you cannot maintain safe social distance.
For specific guidelines and up to date information, please visit theNY State Parks COVID-19 page on their website.
IMPORTANT: Many parks have reduced parking by 50% and local roads may have closures in effect. The bottom line: if you want to go to a popular park, head out early and know your route.
Westchester County Beaches
The beaches at Playland and Croton Point parks will open Memorial Day weekend for county residents only.
County Executive George Latimer stated on May 19 "We don't want to have an influx of people coming from a different geography that could overwhelm us. We'll try to manage that process and it will be a reduced capacity," Latimer said. "You may find that the beach is closed when you arrive because we hit the maximum number of people on the beach. We're going to try very hard to maintain a reasonable amount of social distancing as much as we can on a beach. We'll see if that works."
Read the full article here