July 19, 2022 – In 1922, the Westchester County Board of Supervisors were authorized to appoint a commission to acquire land for a parks system, creating the Westchester County Park Commission, which laid the foundation of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation we know today.
In celebration of the centennial anniversary, a traveling station detailing the Park Commission history will be on view at our parks, beginning with Mohansic Golf Course in Yorktown Heights, Wednesday July 20, as it was the Commission’s first purchase, which cost $1.
Additional information about the history is available in this video.
County Executive George Latimer said, “100 years of Westchester Parks is no small feat! Our parks system is incredibly rich in history and are the backdrop to our childhood memories. I encourage you to visit our traveling station to learn more about your favorite parks and all that went into making them what they are today.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Kathy O’Connor said, “To think the 18,000 acres of Westchester County Parks began with a $1 purchase of Mohansic Park, 100 years ago, is incredibly humbling. We take tremendous pride in our Nationally Accredited Park System and I am thrilled to share the history of the Park Commission and parks with our residents.”
The launch of our 100-Anniversary traveling station coincides with Park and Recreation month in July, acknowledging that parks are at the center of so many experiences and memories, something that the Westchester County Parks system has brought to the community for a century. This month, rise up and celebrate not only our parks system, but our park and recreation professionals who provide hours of selfless dedication, planning and deploying continuous exciting programming for Westchester residents!