Dutchess County Parks Update
Quiet Cove Riverfront Park opens May 23rd, outdoor dining and picnics
allowed at County Parks, new Parks Director starts May 29th
Poughkeepsie… County Executive Marc Molinaro announced a number of updates recently for Dutchess County Parks:
Quiet Cove Riverfront Park will officially open Saturday, May 23rd from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. When visiting the park, residents are asked to please practice appropriate social distancing, including wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart. Additional capacity restrictions will also be in place and Department of Public Works-Parks Division staff will be on hand to monitor the number of guests in the park and ensure adherence to social distancing protocols.
To promote proper social distancing, the following capacity restrictions and cleaning protocols will be in place at Quiet Cove:- Up to 50 individuals will be allowed on the west side of the tunnel at a time. During peak times or when the capacity is reached, a Parks staff member will monitor access at the tunnel.
- A limited number of individuals will be allowed on the observation decks, Navy Boat House porch, and kayak launch at a time. Social distancing markers will be placed, as well.
- Public restrooms will be available, monitored and cleaned throughout the day.
- While the State does not yet permit restaurants to host outdoor dining, starting Saturday, May 23rd, Bowdoin Park, Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, and Wilcox Park will have picnic tables on the grass and near grill stands for families to enjoy. Social distancing measures will be visible around the tables and residents are asked to please not move the tables from the designated areas. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are allowed.
- Sandy Washburn joins the Dutchess County Parks Division as the new Parks Director on Friday, May 29th. Sandy has more than 12 years’ experience in the parks and recreation field, most recently serving as the Director of Parks & Recreation at the Town of Lagrange. She also volunteered for the County’s Parks Master Plan Core Team and served one two-year term as Dutchess County Legislator for District 25 in 2016.
County Executive Molinaro said, “During these challenging times, it’s nice to have so much good news to share about our great Dutchess County Parks. I invite you to join us in welcoming Sandy Washburn to our Parks team–her experience and knowledge will be a wonderful addition as we move forward. Additionally, especially as the weather warms up, Dutchess County Parks, now including Quiet Cove, are a great places to enjoy outdoor dining in a safe way. However, we remind everyone to please be safe and abide by the restrictions our Parks staff has put in place to keep everyone safe and healthy.”
Dutchess County Parks, including the Dutchess Rail Trail and Harlem Valley Rail Trail, are open. Residents are reminded to follow social distancing guidance, wear masks or face coverings, and wash their hands or use hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. If you are not feeling well, please stay home. Help keep our Parks open and safe for all – view a Social Distancing at Dutchess County Parks flyer.