Contact
201 Gipsy Trail Road
Carmel, New York 10512
Telephone: (845) 808-1994
Hours: Monday through Friday
10:00am – 3:30pm
(10:00am – 7:30pm Memorial Day to Labor Day)
The Putnam County Parks Department office is located at Putnam County Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Day Pass (Free for Veterans) | Additional Parking Fee Required
Phone: (845) 808-1994
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General Information
County Parks and Conservation Areas are open and maintained for the enjoyment of everyone. Park employees patrol and maintain these properties throughout the year but are not always aware of problems that arise. We depend on residents to be our eyes and ears by reporting problems or concerns so they can be addressed promptly.
Seasonal employment opportunities are available at the Veterans Memorial Park. Each year lifeguards and summer laborers are hired for the season. Call the park office for details.
Informational brochures for most of the Conservation Areas and Parks are available at the Park office.
Directions From the Taconic Parkway:
take exit Carmel / Cold Spring and follow Route 301 East for 10 miles
turn left onto Gipsy Trail Road (last left turn before causeway across reservoir)
follow Gipsy Trail Rd. for 1 mi. and turn left into Park
Directions From I-84:
take exit 19 Carmel and turn right onto Route 312
follow Route 312 to the end, turn right onto Route 6 towards Carmel and follow it for about 2.5 miles
at the intersection with Route 52 turn right and follow 52 for 0.25 miles (next traffic light)
turn left onto Route 301 and follow it for about 1 mi.
after crossing the reservoir causeway turn immediately right onto Gipsy Trail Road
follow Gipsy Trail Rd. for 1 mi. and turn left into Park
Brochures, Trail Maps & Helpful Links
Brochures
- Lower Pavilion Rental Application
- Park Group Use Application
- Park Vendor Permit Form
- Bench Donation Form
- Community Garden Application: If you would like a community garden application, please contact the office. Telephone: (845) 808-1994
- Lifeguard application
Bike Paths
Putnam Trailway Brochure
Background
The Putnam Trailway is a paved bicycle/pedestrian path located primarily on right-of-way lands of the former Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad. The “Old Put” as it was formerly referred to by commuters, provided freight and passenger service from 1881 to 1958 between the Bronx in New York City and Brewster in Putnam County. The Putnam Railroad once served 6 stations in Putnam County, some of which still stand today. Station stops included Brewster, Tilly Foster, Carmel, Crafts, Mahopac, Lake Mahopac and Baldwin Place. The Lake Mahopac station building is known today as the American Legion Post building on Bucks Hollow Road.
The Putnam Right-of-Way spans 12.0 linear miles through Putnam County, from the Westchester border at Baldwin Place to Brewster Village where it merged into the Harlem Line Tracks. At Baldwin Place, the Putnam Trailway connects to the North County Trailway, which continues south through Westchester County and into the Bronx to Marble Hill (225th Street). Two branch lines are in the trailway planning stages; one going from Lake Mahopac to Goldens Bridge, and the other from Baldwin Place to Mahopac Falls. For more information about the trailway system, call the Putnam County Department of Planning at (845) 878-3480 or write Putnam County Planning Department, 841 Fair Street, Carmel, NY 10512 or visit our web site at: www.putnamcountyny.com
Parks & Conservation Areas
Large Pavilion:
A scenic rental space available for birthdays, graduation parties, baby showers, family reunions and much more. The space holds approximately 75 people and is equipped with electrical outlets and barbecues. Each vehicle is $8 for admittance and can be paid by the hosts or individually.
Upper Park: Pavilions in the Upper Park are equipped with electricity and are available for rentals. These pavilions can accommodate approximately 200 guests and require a Group-Use permit. The Upper Park hosts weddings, company outings, the Putnam County 4-H Fair, Irish dance festivals, and the Daniel Nimham Pow Wow.
Putnam County Veterans Memorial Museum:
Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park is home to the Putnam County Veterans Museum. This museum honors all men and women who have served in the armed forces. The museum has a large selection of authentic memorabilia dating from pre-American Civil War to current military operations. The museum is open on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or by appointment. Appointments can be made by contacting the Park Office at (845) 808-1994
Veterans Memorial:
Dedicated on August 2, 1997, the Veterans Memorial was constructed to “honor all men and women of Putnam County, NY who answered our nation’s call to duty.” This striking monument is made of red brick with seven vertical stone pillars. Each stone structure represents a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Putnam County Joint Veterans Council. The horizontal bricks contain the names of veterans of the US Armed Forces. New bricks for dedication can be purchased at the Park Office.
Gold Star Mother’s Memorial:
In June of 2006, the Gold Star Mother’s statue was dedicated to all mothers who lost children serving our country. This compelling bronze statue stands atop a black granite pedestal with five granite benches around it. There is a red brick walkway leading to the monument from the main parking lot.
Blue Star Memorial By-Way:
The Blue Star Memorial By-Way was created as a “tribute to the Armed Forces of America” and donated to the park by the Ninth District F.G.C.NYS, National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. This 3’x3’ square stone, surrounded by floral gardens, is located across from the M-60 Tank.
Victory Gardens:
The Victory Gardens were created to honor all veterans.Donated by the Buddhist Association of the United States, the three gardens are located directly behind the Putnam County Veterans Memorial.
Putnam County’s First Park Memorial:
This rounded stone is surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. Mounted on the stone is a plaque with the names of the members of the Board of Supervisors and Park and Recreation Advisory Committee. Businesses and organizations are also commemorated for their contributions to the Park.
Cobra AH-IG/S/F Helicopter:
This Cobra 318 was purchased by the US Army in 1967. It served in the Vietnam War from February 1968 through November 1969. In May 2001, the helicopter was decommissioned at Fort Drum, NY and arrived at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park in October 2002. The pole-mounted helicopter is located to the left of the Veterans Memorial.
US Navy Anchors:
These are two crossed anchors off US Navy ships to represent this branch of the US Armed Forces. This memorial is located between the M60 Tank and the Veterans Memorial.
Angel of Hope:
This beautiful statue is dedicated to all parents who lost a child.
The bronze sculpture of an angel on a stone pedestal is located near the shore. Benches are placed on both sides of the angel and offer a quiet place to sit.
