Love Parks Week – Putnam County

Tomorrow, July 26^th – August 2^nd is known as Love Parks Week. The goal of Love Parks Week is to get as many people as possible, young and old, out into the great outdoors to take advantage of their local park. A park is an excellent place to get some fresh air, relax and have fun. Putnam County has parks throughout the county where you can hike, have a quiet picnic or slide down the slide.

Here are several parks that you can go and visit today.

(1) Fahnestock State Park (Clarence Fahnestock)
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts. This 14,086-acre park, covering land in Putnam and Dutchess counties, boasts hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding. The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center, which provides high-quality environmental programming and Fahnestock Winter Park, which includes 20 kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Location: 1498 Route 301 Carmel, NY

Fahnestock State Park (Clarence Fahnestock) (ny.gov)

(2) Putnam County Veteran Memorial Park
Putnam County Veteran Memorial Park is open 7 Days a week 10:00 am - 7:30 pm. See the veteran memorials displayed throughout the park. Look at the magnificent M-60 Tank and Cobra AH-IG/S/F Helicopter. Enjoy a refreshing dip, go fishing, and eat lunch at the numerous picnic tables. There is jungle gym also for the kids.

Location: 201 Gipsy Trail Road, Carmel, NY

Veterans Memorial Park | Putnam County, New York (putnamcountyny.com)

(3) Wonder Lake State Park
Has six wonderful hiking trails and great spot for fishing. Portions of the Great Swamp watershed is located within the park.

Location: 380 Ludingtonville Road Holmes, NY

Wonder Lake State Park (ny.gov)

(4) Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary
The Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary located in Carmel, NY. It is the same location as the old County Fairgrounds and Harness Racetrack. This sanctuary is 45 acres. Take a stroll down the trails and listen to birds chirping, smell the wildflowers, and feel the sun coming through the trees.

Location: Fair Street, Carmel, NY

Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary | Putnam County, New York (putnamcountyny.com)

(5) Hudson Highland State Park Preserve
A mostly undeveloped preserve of over 8,000 acres with over 70 miles of trail, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve consists of a series of separate parcels of land stretching from Annsville Creek in Peekskill, north to Dennings Point in Beacon. The Hudson Highlands and Hudson River provide spectacular backdrops for the many outdoor activities that can be enjoyed here, such as hiking, boating, fishing, and birding. The park's extensive hiking trail network includes terrain that varies from easy to challenging.

Location: 3011 Route 9D Cold Spring, NY

Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve | Putnam County, New York (putnamcountyny.com)

(6) Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area
This conservation area consists of over 800 acres and is Putnam County’s largest. The property was once owned by Walter G. Merritt. It was previously known as Merritt Park and consisted of around 600 acres. Explore this 5.7-mile loop trail near Patterson, New York. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 7 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, snowshoeing, and running.

Location: 480 Haviland Hollow Rd, Patterson, NY 

Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area | Putnam County, New York (putnamcountyny.com)

(7) Castle Park
Castle Park is in the Town of Southeast. It is a great place to spend the day with kids. Go down the slide and swing on the set. There is a basketball court and tennis court. Go biking on the Empire Trail or cool down and take a dip in Tonetta Lake.

Location: 140 Pumphouse Road Brewster, NY

Parks | Southeast, NY (southeast-ny.gov)

(8) Putnam Valley Town Park
It is a great place to spend the day with kids. Go down the slide and swing on the set. There is a basketball court and baseball field. Go biking. Enjoy a picnic at the picnic tables. Even bring your fury friend along and play catch at the dog park.

Location: 156 Oscawana Lake Rd, Putnam Valley, NY

Putnam Valley Parks & Recreation (pvpr.com)

(9) Chamber Park
The Mahopac Chamber Community Park is located in downtown Mahopac at the corner of Routes 6 and 6N.  It is a beautiful waterfront park located on Lake Mahopac.  Its features include a gazebo, fountain, a playground for the kids, walking paths and benches. It is a carry-in, carry-out park, open from dawn 'til dusk all year long.

Location: 951 S Lake Blvd, Mahopac, NY

Town of Carmel Parks | carmelny

(10) Sycamore Park
Sycamore Park, situated between Long Pond and Long Pond Road in Mahopac. The park consists of 32 acres, 18 of which are developed fully for water and land activities. The park contains four tennis courts, a baseball/football field, spacious beach, picnic and playground areas, paddle ball/hand ball court, Dog Park and a concession/refreshment stand.  The picnic area has grills and tables under a pavilion convenient for gatherings of a substantial size (100). The playground area has many features for children, swings, slides, tunnels and monkey bars!

Town of Carmel Parks | carmelny