COVID-19 Updates

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Details: Last Updated: 06 August 2020

We have numerous cancellations and other modifications to our programs and services. The situation for each could change daily so be sure to check back before making plans to visit any currently open park or venue. We appreciate your understanding at this time.

COVID-19 Updates

Camping

Please Note: We are not accepting camping reservations/campers from the New York State quarantine list.

Croton Point Park

RV and tent camping currently open for rental.
Limited availability due to social distancing protocols.

Mountain Lakes Park

Lean-to and tent camping only.
Limited availability due to social distancing protocols.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Lean-to and tent camping rentals.
Limited availability due to social distancing protocols, and continuing construction of Lean-to areas.

Children's Camps

Day Camps :

Cranberry Lake Preserve (Not available)
Lenoir Preserve (Few spots available)
Marshlands Conservancy (six-week, five-day sessions, July 6 – Aug 14) (Few spots available)
Trailside Nature Museum (seven-week, five-day sessions on Fridays, July 6 – Aug. 21) (Spots available)
Hole-in-One Junior Golf Camp at six golf courses (six-week, five-day sessions, July 6 – Aug. 14) (Not available)

Considerations for the day camps listed above:

Reduction of Campers – required as per New York State Guidance
Social Distancing/Masks – required as per New York State Guidance
Registration online – started Monday, June 15.

The camps held at the nature centers will operate outdoors only because of limited indoor space; therefore, the camps will close on inclement weather days.

At Cranberry Lake Preserve in North White Plains and Lenoir Preserve in Yonkers, camp groups will be smaller than in typical years, with eight campers per session in order to achieve proper social distancing. Camp runs in six, five-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Monday, July 6. Tuition is $350 per camper per week. Camp will be cancelled if heavy rain or thunderstorms are forecast. A make-up day will be scheduled at the end of camp for any missed days.

At Marshlands Conservancy in Rye, which also begins Monday, July 6 and runs for six, five-day sessions. Camp day will be split into two daily sessions: 9 a.m. to noon for children in grades 1 – 3 and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for children in grades 4 – 6. Tuition is $175 per camper per week. Camp will be cancelled on days with heavy or thunderstorms forecast. A weather make-up day will be available at the end of camp.

Age ranges:
Nature center camps: grades 1 – 9

At Trailside Nature Museum in Cross River, a new family camp concept is being introduced at the Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River. There will be seven, five-week sessions starting July 6. Prior to their session, families will pick up a “Family Camp Box” containing materials and supplies for their week of on-site activities, once at camp, each day will consist of one to two hours of self-guided activities combined with one naturalist-led activity. Heavy rain and thunderstorms will cancel camp.

County Beaches

Croton Point Beach – Open Wednesdays through Sundays.
Playland Beach – Open Tuesdays through Sundays.

Open through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7
11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., no admittance after 6 p.m. Weather permitting.
Admission – $4 adults, $3 for children ages 5 to 11 and free for children age 5 and under.
Parking – $5 with Park Pass; $10 without.
Beach – 50 percent capacity for sunning and swimming, no concessions.
Bathrooms – open
Showers – closed
Food concessions – Open at Playland for outdoor and take-out services only. New York State social distancing protocols will be followed.
Coolers – with food and non-alcoholic beverages in plastic containers only.
Social distancing – Visitors must wear a mask if they cannot social distance within six feet. Small families in specific sand areas do not have to wear a mask when sitting. Mask not required in the water.

County Pools

Pools Open through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7 – Saxon Woods, Sprain Ridge, Tibbetts Brook and Willson’s Woods open daily. Pools are open to Westchester residents only. Weather permitting.

Open Daily – Session One, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Session Two, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.:
- Session One wristbands go on sale at 10 a.m. until sold out at locations.
- Session Two wristbands go on sale only when Session One is sold out.
- Any Session Two wristbands remaining will go on sale again at 2 p.m.
- All tickets sold at the pool day of visit only.
All members of the party (adults and children) must be present at time of purchase.
Admission – $4 adults and children; free for children under 5 but counted as part of maximum occupancy. No issuance of seasonal swim passes. No refunds or rainchecks.
Pools and Parks – Open to Westchester residents only - Visitors will be required to verify their residency with their Westchester County Park Pass or driver’s license with a Westchester address.
Pools – 50 percent capacity for sunning and swimming.
Food concessions – Open under New York state social distancing protocols.
Bathrooms – open
Showers – closed
Swimming features closed – Saxon Woods aqua playground; Sprain Ridge aqua splash pad; Willson’s Woods no waves, aqua playground, splash pad, slides; Tibbetts Brook no tubes, aqua playground, basketball court or slides.
Social distancing – Visitors must wear a mask if they cannot social distance within six feet. Small families in specific sand areas do not have to wear mask when sitting. Mask not required in the water.
Playland Pool is closed for the season.

Golf Courses

Driving Ranges – open
Golfers are asked to check in early for tee times.
A minimal number of guests are allowed inside pro shops at one time. Plexiglass is installed in front of cashier areas.
Golf carts are washed and sanitized after each use. Two people per cart if they have been quarantining together. If not, one person per cart with the option of two bags permitted per cart, with one person driving and the second person waking, alternating driving/walking. Additional golf carts have been distributed to courses. Pull carts are available; golfers who can are encouraged to walk.
Tee times have longer intervals between them and there is a reduction of hours of operation.
An insert has been installed in holes so that flagsticks do not have to be touched and should not be removed. No raking of bunkers.
Rakes, ball washers and coolers have been removed from course.
Golfers are instructed to not gather in groups or clusters while on or off the golf course.
Restaurants – Open for INDOOR, outdoor and take-out service. New York State social distancing protocols will be followed including 50% capacity of outdoor and indoor use.
Halfway houses and refreshment carts available.
Park Passes – Available at all six golf courses. Open daily, Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Social distancing protocols will be followed.

Available Events

Bicycle Sundays:
- Bronx River Parkway, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Scheduled dates: August 2 , 9, 16, 23, 30; and Sept. 13, 20, 27.
- County Center in White Plains south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.
- Social distancing and masks required.
Camp Morty – Virtual Camp, this year, for underprivileged children residing in Westchester County in collaboration with Westchester Parks Foundation and Department of Social Services (6 week, 5 day sessions, July 6 – Aug 14).
Farmer’s Market – Muscoot Farm, Sundays through November 22. First-come, first-served, social distancing protocols followed.
Volunteer Groups – Various park locations/dates through Westchester Parks Foundation. Groups of 10 or fewer following social distancing protocols. Pre-registration required through Eventbrite.
Drive-In Movies – Kensico Dam Plaza
- The Secret Life of Pets Friday, Aug. 21. Sold Out. (Rain date from July 17).
- Wonder Park, Friday, August 14. Sold Out.
- Tickets are $20 per car and there will be a 125-car limit due to capacity and distancing protocols.
Drive-In Movies – Playland
- Aladdin, Friday, July 31. Sold Out.
- Dolittle, Friday, August 7. Sold Out.
- Tickets are $20 per car and there will be limited capacity following social distancing protocols.

Postponed Events

Pitch in for Parks – from Saturday, April 25 to Saturday, Oct. 17
Baby Shark – County Center from Friday, May 29 to Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.
Stars of Doo-Wop and Rock n Roll – County Center from Saturday, July 18 to Saturday, April 17, 2021.

Open Parks and Areas

Ballfield Rentals (Baseball) – beginning Thursday, July 9
- V.E. Macy Park baseball fields utilizing schedule developed in January/February.
- Croton Point Park baseball field utilizing schedule developed in January/February.
- Limited availability may be available. Check with the Parks permit office (914) 231-4575.
- The field usage will be for Westchester County resident groups, organization or clubs. No Individual rentals.
- Safety plans, protocols and procedures must be submitted by organizations in advance.
Ballfield Rentals (Soccer) – beginning Thursday, July 9
- Soccer turf fields at Saxon Woods and Tibbetts Brook Parks utilizing schedule developed in January/February.
- Soccer grass fields at Croton Point, Tibbetts Brook and V.E. Macy Parks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Limited availability may be available. Check with the Parks permit office (914) 231-4575.
- The field usage will be for Westchester County resident groups, organizations or clubs. No individual rentals.
- Safety plans, protocols and procedures must be submitted by organizations in advance.
Beaches – Playland open Tuesday through Sunday and Croton Point Wednesday through Sunday. Open through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. Weather permitting. (see details listed in "County Beaches" section)
Boat launching – ramp at George's Island Park, Wampus Pond self-launching only.
Camping (see details listed in "Camping" section)
County Center – East and North White Plains parking lots. Price information.
Children's Summer Camps – (see details listed in "Children's Camps" section)
Golf Courses – (see details listed in "Golf Courses" section)
Kayak Rentals – Croton Point Park, Fridays, 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (last rental 5 p.m.); Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (last rental 5 p.m.)
Miniature Golf Courses: (Social distancing protocols followed)
- Playland - Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., $5 per person.
- Saxon Woods Park daily, 12 noon – 8 p.m., $9 adults, $7 children.
- Tibbetts Brook Park daily, 12 noon – 7 p.m., $8 per person.
Muscoot Farm – Trails, parking and pathway to the pasture overlook area are open. (barnyard complex and buildings are closed.)
Outdoor Public Areas:
- Parks – except Glen Island
- Conservation – Bronx River Reservation Pathway - Dog Den in White Plains open, Lasdon, Merestead, Muscoot - Food Concession opened weekends, Nature Centers, North County Trailway including Birdsall Road in Yorktown, South County Trailway and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
- Kensico Dam Plaza
- Playland - Boardwalk and Seaside Walk
- Parking lots - may close intermittently on high-volume days.
Parking Fees – $5 w/park pass; $10 without. *Proof of Westchester residency required.
- Daily at Blue Mountain, Croton Point, George’s Island, Ward Pound Ridge and Tibbetts Brook parks*.
- Playland – Wednesdays through Sundays.
- Croton Gorge Park – Fridays through Sundays. (Temporarily closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
- Saxon Woods* (picnic area only) – Saturdays and Sundays.
Park Passes Issued – Available at all six golf courses, Blue Mountain Sportsman Center, Croton Point, Saxon Woods, Sprain Ridge, Tibbetts Brook and Willson’s Woods parks. Daily, Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Ward Pound Ridge TBD) Social distancing protocols will be followed.
Parks Department administrative offices at 450 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley. No public entry.
Pool Openings – Saxon Woods, Sprain Ridge, Tibbetts Brook and Willson’s Woods open daily. Open through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. Weather Permitting. (see details listed in "County Pools" section)
Ribbons of Remembrance at Lenoir Preserve (behind Wightman mansion). A temporary memorial for residents who have been lost to COVID-19. Loved ones can write a message and tie a purple ribbon on a tree or the memorial structure. Markers and ribbons are provided.
Sportsman Center/Ranges – open during regular operating hours. Minimal number of guests inside office at one time.
Public restrooms – Where available and have direct entrance/exit.
Tennis courts – Tibbetts Brook Park.
Twin Lakes Farm – Owners with boarded horses, public lessons, day camps.

Cancellations

All programming in parks – no scheduling until further notice. i.e. friends groups, walkathons, park rentals, picnic rentals, other public gatherings. (exceptions listed in "Available Events" section)
County Center (closed) – no events, programs and bookings, until further notice.
Picnic/Event Permits – No permits or scheduling until further notice. (Note: all reservations cancelled at least through Aug. 31)
Playland Amusement Park (closed) - No fireworks, concerts, entertainment, Day for the Disabled, special events, Halloween attractions through 2020.
Cultural Heritage Festivals series
- Ecuadorian Heritage Festival – Croton Point Park (Sunday, Aug. 9)
- Jewish Heritage Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza. (Sunday, Aug. 16)
- Muslim Heritage Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza. (Sunday, Aug. 23)
Summer Music Camp – County Center. (June 29 – Aug. 7)
Music in the Park – Lasdon Park, Friday, Aug. 7
Westchester Magazine’s Wine and Food Festival
- Party on the Pier at Playland from Wednesday, June 10 to Wednesday, Sept. 23
- Burger & Beer Blast at Kensico Dam Plaza from Thursday, June 11 to Thursday, Sept. 24;
- Grand Tasting Village at Kensico Dam Plaza from Saturday June 13 to Saturday, Sept. 26.
Westchester County Car Show – Glen Island, Sunday, Sept. 27.
Genesis/Westchester Medical Center Healing Half Marathon – Bronx River Parkway, Sunday, Oct. 4.
Slam Dunk Basketball Tournament – County Center. (Dec. 18, 19 and 20)
*See “Available Events” Section Above – for exceptions.

Closed Parks and Areas

Westchester County Center – building and west parking lot closed through at least 2020.
Croton Gorge Park – closed ONLY on Saturdays and Sundays in conjunction with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Food Concession – Muscoot Farm
Playgrounds, Tractor at Muscoot, “The Rising” September 11th memorial at Kensico Dam Plaza and other outdoor features where people congregate.
Basketball courts – V.E. Macy and Tibbetts Brook Parks.
Glen Island Harbour Club – open only for appointments for future events.
Glen Island Park (COVID-19 drive-through testing area)
Grills – all grilling areas both reserved and walk-up.
Indoor Facilities – affected facilities at Parks, Nature Centers, Muscoot and Lasdon.
Pavilions
Permit Office – 450 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley. Open for phone calls only at (914) 231-4575 during regular business hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No new reservations being taken until further notice.
Playland Amusement Park and Pool – closed for the 2020 season.
Playland Ice Casino – Closed until further notice.
Westchester Children's Museum – Playland

Public Engagement Websites and Social Media

Curator videos – Cranberry’s “Animal Thursdays,” Beekeeping at Lenoir, Read: beehive instillation, beehive observation, shadbush, trees, sounds/water, fossil dig, solitary bees.
Educational Videos – North American River Otters at Trailside, Trail cameras at Read, Research project at Read, Sounds at Cranberry.
Lasdon Park – Scavenger Hunt with smartphone needed; flower and tree plantings.
Muscoot Farm – Mondays and Fridays: Storytime, animal education, cooking and crafts.
#NatureInWestchester – take photos while in our parks and share on Instagram for digital gallery.
Nature Activity Sheets – Printable coloring and work sheets.
Nature Origami – Nature Origami printouts from Cranberry Lake Preserve’s program.
Playland Playhouse – interactive games:
- Coaster the Dragon's Match Up
- Word Search
- Hide N' Seek
- What’s Different
- Which Ride are You
- Coaster's Shuffle
Scavenger Hunts – Printable sheets: Cranberry, Lenoir, Marshlands, Read, Croton, Trailside and Muscoot.
Spotify – County Parks Playlists for social distance walking/jogging.
- “I’ve Got Sunshine in My Pocket”
- “Don’t It Feel Good”
- “Playland Concert Series” parts one and two
- “Summer Solstice.”
Zoom – Westchester County Parks virtual backgrounds for Zoom teleconferencing.

General Information

Park users: practice safe social distancing.
Practicing safe social distancing is the most important action that will help to keep our parks open.
Practice good hygiene by appropriately washing hands.
Although we continue to sanitize our parks and make every effort to provide a healthy environment, please make responsible decisions, based on your personal risk profile, on whether to expose yourself to others.
We continue to monitor all recommendations and will implement as necessary. If you, a family member or someone you have been in touch with has respiratory symptoms, particularly fever, do not visit.

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