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“Discover the Beauty of Rockland County Parks This Summer” by Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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8 months ago

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Now that summer is here and school is wrapping up, it is time to take advantage of all the great outdoor recreational opportunities that Rockland County has to offer. Nestled amidst the Hudson Valley, our county boasts an array of parks that promise not only breathtaking scenery but also endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation.

Whether you’re a nature or fitness enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, we are very lucky to live in a county that is one-third parkland that offers something for everyone. Of that parkland, 31 are County parks with over 3200 acres to walk, hike, picnic, fish or take out a boat or kayak.

While the county has 40 miles of scenic Hudson River waterfront, Haverstraw Bay Park offers water-based recreational opportunities via a boat launch along with playgrounds, a walking trail, fishing piers, picnic areas, an open-air pavilion, and is also home to our 9/11 and Gulf War Memorials.

In New City, Kennedy Dells Park offers a scenic variety of relatively easy walking trails that meander through meadows, woods, a two-acre grove of evergreens and along Crum Creek featuring a relic dam and mill. Visitors to the park can also bring their canine companions along for a hike or utilize the dog run.

A few short miles down the road at the Zebrowski-Morahan Demarest Kill Park, parkgoers can find more shaded walking trails around the pond that was recently restocked with fish, as well as new fishing piers and benches. Work is currently underway on a new path that will span from the rear of the park along the babbling Demarest Kill Creek and connect to the path adjacent to the Rockland County Courthouse leading up to Dutch Garden Park – a hidden gem. Work is expected to be complete this Fall.
If you’re a fan of hiking, some of our popular trails are at Clausland Mountain, Mountainview, South Mountain, Kakiat and Dater parks. While the County parks offer approximately 30 miles of walking and hiking trails, the trails at several of these parks connect to other state or town parks providing longer hiking options that range from relatively easy to difficult.

We are especially thankful for the dedicated employees in our County Division of Environmental Resources including park rangers, security and grounds workers for ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of our County park system.
For more information on our County parks or to apply for a permit to utilize a County park, please visit the Division of Environmental Resources website or contact their office at 845-364-2670.

This summer, I encourage residents and visitors to explore the natural beauty right here in Rockland. Let our County parks be your gateway to nature, adventure, and relaxation.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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Government

New York State DMV Offices Closed Feb. 13–17 for System Upgrade

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4 days ago

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February 10, 2026

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NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will temporarily suspend all in-person and online services due to a scheduled technology system upgrade, officials announced.

The system update will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 13, at which time all DMV offices statewide will close. Offices will remain closed through Tuesday, February 17. During this period, online transactions and phone services will also be unavailable.

All DMV services are expected to fully resume at the start of business on Wednesday, February 18.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and complete any urgent DMV transactions prior to the closure. Additional information is available on the DMV’s website at dmv.ny.gov.

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Government

Rockland County Issues $42K in Penalties After 51 Violations Found at Spring Valley Property

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4 days ago

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February 10, 2026

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NEW CITY, N.Y. — The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes has assessed approximately $42,000 in penalties against property owner Joel Friedman of Spring Valley after inspectors identified 51 building and safety violations at 18 White Street.

The inspection took place on January 22 at the request of the Spring Valley Police Department, following a 911 call related to the death of a child at the residence. The child’s death remains under investigation. County officials said there are no known facts at this time indicating the condition of the structure contributed to the death.

The property is certified as a two-family residence, which is not subject to routine inspections under state law. County officials said inspectors were authorized to enter the property after police reported evidence of an unlawful conversion.

Inspectors found that the garage, basement, and second floor had been illegally converted for residential use, contrary to the building’s Certificate of Occupancy. Uninhabitable areas were found to be occupied, with doors and windows boarded up.

Among the violations cited were:

  • Alterations without permits

  • Unsafe electrical conditions

  • Blocked or obstructed exits

  • Missing or non-functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

  • Presence of combustible materials

  • Unlawful changes to use and occupancy

Officials said additional hazards included unsafe wiring and the use of hot plates and portable heaters.

County officials confirmed that no children were present during the inspection and that this was the first inspection request ever received for the property, with no prior violation history.

The County also addressed social media claims suggesting the property was operating as an unlicensed daycare, stating there was no signage, licensing, or other visible evidence to support that allegation.

“This tragedy underscores the importance of code compliance and community responsibility,” said County Executive Ed Day, urging residents to report unsafe conditions in properties not subject to routine inspections.

Edward Markunas, Director of the Office of Buildings and Codes, said the violations posed “serious life-safety concerns.”

The County confirmed that Child Protective Services is involved and continues to work with law enforcement as appropriate.

Residents can report building and code violations to the Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes at 845-364-3700 or obcmain@co.rockland.ny.us.

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