COVID-19 Updates

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Details: Last Updated: 24 September 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.

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: Sept. 27 and added Oct. 4.
- County Center in White Plains south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.
- Social distancing and masks required.
Farmer’s Market – Muscoot Farm, Sundays through Nov. 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.
Fall Programming – to be announced.

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)
- 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)
- 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.
Boat launching – ramp at George's Island Park, Wampus Pond self-launching only.
Camping (Details listed in "Camping" section.)
County Center – East and North White Plains parking lots. Price information.
Golf Courses – (Details listed in "Golf Courses" section.)
Kayak Rentals – Times vary. Check Sept. and Oct. operating schedule. Reservations call (914) 682-5135.
Miniature Golf Courses: (Social distancing protocols followed. Weather permitting.)
- Saxon Woods Park – $9 adults, $7 children. Sept 10 - 30, Weekdays 3 p.m. to closing. Weekends 12 noon to closing.
- Oct. weekends only, 12 noon to closing.
- Tibbetts Brook Park – $8 per person. First week of Sept. - 12 noon to dusk. September, October and November - Saturdays and Sundays, 12 noon to dusk.
Muscoot Farm – Trails, parking and pathway to the pasture overlook area are open. (Grounds are open, but 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
- Playgrounds
- 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.
- Blue Mountain, Croton Point, George’s Island, Ward Pound Ridge, Saxon Woods* (picnic area only), Tibbetts Brook parks* and Playland. Weekends only in Sept. until Sunday, Sept. 27.
- Croton Gorge Park – Daily through Sunday, Sept. 27.
Park Passes Issued – Available at all six golf courses, Blue Mountain Sportsman Center, Croton Point. Daily, Monday-Sunday (except holidays), 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.
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. For example, friends groups, walkathons, Mall Walks at The Westchester, park rentals, picnic rentals and 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 Sept. 30)
Playland Amusement Park (closed) - No fireworks, concerts, entertainment, Day for the Disabled, special events, Halloween attractions through 2020.
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.
Food Concession – Muscoot Farm
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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