Rockland County reopens county-run parks for walking

Rockland County parks reopened at 6 a.m. Friday after being closed since April 7 in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

News 12 Staff

May 1, 2020, 10:08 AM

Updated 1,625 days ago

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Rockland County parks reopened at 6 a.m. Friday after being closed since April 7 in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Necessary precautions when visiting the parks include wearing a mask or face covering and practicing social distancing.
County Executive Ed Day says, “We’re trying to strike the balance where we let you go and enjoy your parks and do so that is in a manner that is as safe as can be."
There are 14 county-run parks in Rockland, and all will be open except for Flat Rock Park in Hillburn — the only one without walking trails.
There are still restrictions, and features like dog runs, playgrounds, restrooms, fishing, and picnic areas will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
Orangetown parks and golf courses also reopened with restrictions. Officials have threatened to close the outdoor facilities if guidelines aren’t adhered to.
Town Supervisor Teresa Kenny highlighted a few prohibitions, saying in part, “It's not open for basketball, no playgrounds -- just walking, jogging, passive recreational sports." Kenny also mentioned the mandatory distance order and mask usage.
Ramapo parks remain accessible for biking and walking. News 12 is told tennis courts are expected to open next week, by appointment only.
“They're not open for people to congregate with others. They're not open for playground equipment," says Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht.
Town of Haverstraw parks remain open for activities like walking, as well as usage of their golf course. Two Stony Point parks have also reopened, enabling golfers to enjoy the sport on Saturday at Patriot Hills.
According to Rockland County officials, part of the reopening decision comes because they are seeing a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, the amount of hospitalizations and those suspected of having coronavirus is trending downward.
However, some town parks will remain closed such as Clarkstown due to maintenance.
“Several of the piers had damage below water level, so that's going to take a week or two,” says Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann.
Staff will be monitoring the parks and they will report any violations of social distancing or gatherings to the Rockland County Sheriff's Office. Day says that if the public fails to follow the rules, they will reevaluate opening the parks.
For more information on reopening, please call or visit your local government websites.
Open Rockland County Parks
  • Buttermilk Falls Park
  • Clausland Mountain Park
  • Dater Mountain Park
  • Zebrowski-Morahan Demarest Kill Park
  • Eleanor Burlingham Memorial Park
  • Haverstraw Bay Park
  • Dutch Garden
  • Kakiat Park
  • Kennedy Dells Park
  • Monsey Glen Park
  • Mountainview Nature Park
  • Samuel G. Fisher Environmental Park
  • Sean Hunter Ryan Memorial
  • South Mountain Park
Town of Orangetown - All parks opened with restrictions and guidelines
Town of Ramapo - All parks opened with restrictions and guidelines
Town of Clarkstown - All parks closed
Town of Haverstraw - All parks open for walking
  • Philip j. Rotella Memorial Golf course
Town of Stony Point
  • Charles Eccher Park
  • Town Pool Park Waling Path
  • Patriot Hills - Opens on May 2nd
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