If the upcoming months take any notes from last winter’s mild temperatures, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties should be in store for even hotter temperatures and brighter sunshine this summer. Rather than basking in air-conditioned glory all summer long, Houlihan Lawrence decided to take a look at the area’s local watering holes, be it a pool, lake, pond, etc. to help you cool off and take a break from the heat.
Westchester County Pools & Beaches: Unlike town pools and beaches that are only open to residents of that particular municipality, anyone from Westchester can swim in county pools and beaches. There are four pools located throughout Westchester, including Saxon Woods Park (White Plains), The Brook at Tibbetts Brook Park (Yonkers), Willson’s Waves at Willson’s Woods Park (Mount Vernon) and Playland Pool at Playland Park (Rye). Beaches include Glen Island Park (New Rochelle), Croton Point Park (Croton-on-Hudson), and Playland Beach at Playland Park. For more information about admission, click here.
Clarence Fahnestock State Park: Fahnestock is famous for its hiking trails and campground, but did you know that it has a large swimming beach, too? Two large, lifeguard-stationed swimming areas line the eastern shores of Lake Canopus off of Route 301 in Carmel. If you’re looking to stretch out on a sandy beach during a gorgeous day, Fahnestock is definitely should be a go-to place. It’s just $7.00 per carload, and you can lay out on the beach every day after Memorial Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wilcox Memorial Park: 615 acres of beautiful parkland, Wilcox Memorial Park in Milan, New York is home to not one but two lakes for Dutchess County residents to use. The park isn’t just limited to swimming either—residents can rent paddle boats or rowboats on its upper lakes. Pavilions and picnic areas are also available.
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park: A simple trip north or south on the Taconic State Parkway, the Yorktown Heights-based pool holds up to 3,500 swimmers at one time. Lifeguards are stationed throughout the length of the pool, and lockers are provided for anyone who’d like to use them. Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond each offer the opportunity for freshwater fishing, and the park rents out rowboats to patrons.