Empire State Today

Although the COVID-19 death toll in Westchester County has reached 1,359 and there are 33,349 positive coronavirus cases as of May 29, parks have remained open in the county.

“We have signs everywhere that say social distancing and masks are requested. Most people comply; not everybody but most,” said Henry Neale, chairman of the Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board, a 10-member body appointed by the county executive and approved by the county legislature. 

The huge and complex county parks system spans 200 miles of trails and 52 sites including five nature centers, six golf courses, five swimming pools, a working farm and an amusement park.

“The grounds are open for strolls,” Neale told Empire State Today. “Most of the buildings and facilities are closed and their programs canceled or postponed. Golf courses are open but with restrictions.”

When news of the coronavirus outbreak was first announced along with the March 18 shutdown, the city of New Rochelle was one of the first hotspots in the state, according to media reports.

“There was a fairly elaborate set of testing station tents set up at Glen Island Park and at one time, before they managed to flatten the curve, a temporary full-service overflow hospital was erected very rapidly in a county park auditorium where we have high school basketball tournaments, graduations and other events,” said Neale in an interview.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a plan to reopen starting on May 26, however Phase 2 was delayed, as previously reported in the New York Post.

“There's a limit to how much time people can stay indoors, play Monopoly, read books, and practice learning how to bake pies,” Neale said. “People want to get out and they do. That's what the park system is available for. It's a great resource. We’re fortunate to have it.”

However, swimming pools and Rye Playland, with rides such as the roller coaster, are closed, according to media reports, because of the concentration of people it attracts.

“People on a merry-go-round are not going to be 6 feet apart,” Neale said. “People on a roller coaster ride, which is very popular, are not going to be 6 feet apart. You can't wear a mask when you're swimming. We love all those activities but they are not places where you can comply with COVID-19 guidelines safely.” 

To promote social distancing, one-way traffic is in place on paths and trails at Kensico Dam Plaza, Cranberry Lake Preserve and Marshlands Conservancy, according to the county website.

“People like to get out of the house and go to a place that's safe where they can do things,” Neale said. “You can't be surprised about that and our parks are beautiful. So people walk, and families sit or play. What they can't do is swim and they can't go to places where there's an enclosed playground. Those tend to be shut down.”