Parks & Recreation

Welcome

It is the mission of the Putnam County Parks Division to provide safe, passive recreational opportunities to the residents of Putnam County while preserving open space, protecting environmentally sensitive areas, and promoting smart stewardship of County owned lands.

It is the goal of the Parks Division to offer a wide selection of passive recreational opportunities as a means to improve the quality of life for all county residents.

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Contact

201 Gipsy Trail Road
Carmel, New York 10512
Telephone: (845) 808-1994

Park Reservations can be made Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Park Hours: 7 days a week.
10:00am – 3:30 p.m.
(10:00am – 7:30 p.m. 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.

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

Trail Maps

Helpful Links

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

Veterans Memorial Park

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

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.

Tilly Foster Farm

PUTNAM COUNTY’S PREMIER EDUCATION &FARM TO TABLE DINING EXPERIENCE

TILLY FOSTER FARM LIFE
Tilly Foster Farm is alive and well! The Tilly Foster Farm Community Gardens, now in its second decade of operation, continues to produce award-winning organically grown flowers, vegetables and herbs.Part of the revitalization of the farm has been the return of small farm animals – some are quite exotic, like our unique chicken breeds, Kunekune pigs, miniature horses and much more. Visitors are invited to take part in self-guided tours of the farm seven days a week. Learn more. If you just want to be one with nature in a serene and picturesque setting, hike the nature trails at Tilly —kiosks with maps are located next to the farm parking lot.
PUTNAM’S FIRST PUBLIC INSTITUTE FOR CAREER EDUCATION
Welcome to the Tilly Foster Educational Institute, Putnam County’s premier destination for culinary arts, natural beauty and historic attractions. From culinary arts education and farm-to-table dining to rich verdant pastures where horses and livestock roam and tranquil nature trails take you away from it all, the new Tilly Foster invites you back. Come and visit to see what’s in store. You’ll be happy you did.
TILLY’S TABLE – A FARM-TO-TABLE DINING EXPERIENCE
The Tilly Foster Farms Premiere Restaurant Tilly’s Table, a farm-to-table restaurant experience and special event venue ideal for weddings, graduations, bar mitzvahs, corporate affairs, fundraisers or networking events.

Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area

Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area

Conservation Area:

This conservation area consists of over 800 acres and is Putnam County’s largest. The property was once owned by Walter G. Merritt. It was previously known as Merritt Park, and consisted of around 600 acres.

Wildlife abounds in this conservation area. One may see deer, turkey, bobcat, bear, along with various songbirds and small mammals.

One of the most popular spots is the great gorge waterfall. This is located just north of the old Merritt campsite.

We are always trying to improve the trail system in this conservation area. If you have any suggestions or concerns please call 845-808-1994.

Location: There are two trailheads with parking areas on Stage Coach Road in Patterson and a larger parking area on Haviland Hollow Rd.

Conservation Area Rules:

Please enjoy your time here.
Respect nature and others.
Please have your dog/s under control at all times.
NYS DEC regulations have to be followed when fishing.
No littering! Please leave only your footsteps behind.

Hunters Wear Orange

So Should You

For your safety during

Hunting seasons,

Visitors on these lands

Should wear orange

Be Safe – Be Seen

Various hunting seasons in New York State run from September through March & May 1st to May 31st.
Horseback riding is permitted on trails only.
Mountain-biking is permitted on trails only, with the exception of the blue trail.
Please do not leave valuables in your car; if you must, leave them locked in the trunk.

Trail Map:

Michael Ciaola Trails

About Michael Ciaiola

Michael Thomas Ciaiola was well known as President of the Putnam County Land Trust and for his work with FROGS (Friends of the Great Swamp). Former County Executive Robert Bondi remembered Mr. Ciaiola as part of a “dedicated group of stewards of the Earth.” Michael and a handful of other activists drafted the most important piece of legislation ever to be passed by the Putnam Legislature – Resolution 555 of the year 1984-1985 – adopted a policy for the preservation of open spaces in Putnam County. Michael was frequently consulted to develop lake management studies, stream improvement projects and community environmental protection plans throughout the county.

Legislative Resolution #135 of 2002 – recognized the great impact the Michael Ciaiola had on Putnam County and officially changed the name of “Walter G. Merritt Conservation Area” to the “Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area”.

About George C. Cain

George C. Cain, a New York City firefighter who died at the World Trade Center on 9/11/01, was a resident of the Town of Patterson in Putnam County. George and his friends would run, hike, cross-country ski and mountain bike the many beautiful trails of Putnam County. George was always interested in improving any trail he used. He would pick up any litter he found on his hikes and he always had an idea on how to improve the trails for better use.

Legislative Resolution 238 of 2001, proclaimed a trail loop as “The George C. Cain Memorial Trail”. The George C. Cain trail (orange trail ) is also marked with a Maltese cross to remind users of the sacrifice that George gave to his Country.

Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary

Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary

Fred L. Dill

Fred L. Dill came to Carmel in 1933 after graduating with an Accounting Degree from Bentley College in Boston, Massachusetts. His father, Carl Dill, trained and drove trotting horses and had moved his family from Goshen, NY to work at the horse racing track which was part of Putnam County Fairgrounds located on a portion of this property. A faint outline of the old race track is still visible and is labeled “old racetrack” on the park map.

Upon completion of his first summer “swiping” horses and “mucking out” horse stalls, Fred decided the horse business was not for him. His dream was to be in business for himself. When working as office manager for American Oil in Carmel, he had the opportunity to manage Dain Supply and within three years was a partner in Dain and Dill. Eventually, Dain and Dill

became Lloyd Lumber, a cash and carry lumber yard which grew into a chain of 21 stores in NY and CT.

Fred had achieved his dream of becoming a successful businessman, and he enjoyed using his financial success to benefit the Putnam County Community. The Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary and Outdoor Education Center is the last project Fred worked on before his death in 2004 at the age of 91. This property brought Fred to Putnam County and it gave him great pleasure to think of the many people who would walk the trails, enjoy the tranquil woods, and learn about our local wildlife and history.

Location: Parking is located behind the Putnam Family and Community Sevices building and there is a trailhead on Fair Street just after the Hamlet of Carmel.

Trail Map:

Fred L. Dill Trails

Cornerstone Park

Cornerstone Park

Info:

The Cornerstone Park concept is based on the renovation of a central square – often the gas station – in the historic downtown of our older communities, reviving these centers and creating much needed green spaces and tourism related services. It is designed to enhance economic revitalization efforts with aesthetic improvements and by creating public space in a downtown area.

In 2002, Preserve Putnam County collaborated with Putnam County to design and develop a public park with welcome center and historical museum at the corner of Fair Street and Route 52 in downtown Carmel. The property, a former gasoline and service station, was donated to Preserve Putnam County by the Spain family for the purpose of creating a park. This public/private partnership sets a precedent for transforming a gasoline station into a center for cultural activities and creating a new green space in a business district. The park opened to the public on September 17, 2004.

A memorial honoring Putnam County’s 911 Heroes was unveiled on November 16, 2002. The names of eight residents who were killed at the World Trade Center on September 11th are inscribed in black granite and was made possible through donations from many local organizations, businesses and individuals.

Location: Fair Street, Carmel, NY 10512

Dixon Lake

Dixon Lake

Dixon Lake Conservation Area is a small lake that provides fishing and boat access.

Please follow New York State Fishing Regulations when fishing. No gas engine boats allowed on the lake.

Location: Turn North onto Crane Road off of Route 6. Crane road turns into Long Pond Road. Turn right onto Dixon Lake Road. At stop sign turn left onto Valley Court. Dixon Lake Conservation Area will be on your right.

Donald B. Smith Conservation Area

Donald B. Smith Conservation Area

The Donald B. Smith Conservation area is a small (1.2 acre) property that sits along the East Branch Croton River, offering fishing and canoe access. There is a picnic table in case you want to bring lunch.

Location: 684 North ends and narrows to become Route 22 continue on 22 for 3.1 miles. Turn right onto Doansburg Road and go 1.8 miles, then make a right onto Gage Road. Go 6/10th of a mile and bear right to go onto Old Doansburg Lane. In about 3/10ths of a mile, the road will end in a loop. The park is at the end of the loop.

Lake Gleneida Trail