Government

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

Published

12 months ago

June 12, 2025

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

Government

Rockland County Bicycle Safety Awareness

Published

7 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Rockland County officials are urging both cyclists and motorists to prioritize roadway safety following a rise in bicycle-related crashes across the county in 2024.

According to the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository, Rockland County recorded 90 bicycle-vehicle crashes last year, resulting in one fatality and 83 injuries. Officials say the statistics underscore the ongoing need for increased awareness, safer riding habits, and greater cooperation between drivers and bicyclists on local roads.

Under New York State law, bicyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists and are granted the same rights on the road. County officials emphasized that safe cycling includes obeying traffic signals, using proper hand signals, and ensuring bicycles are equipped with required safety features such as lights and reflectors.

Helmet use remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury, particularly for children. In Rockland County, all bicyclists are required by law to wear a helmet.

Officials are encouraging cyclists to take several precautions when riding, including:

Wearing a properly fitted helmet at all times
Riding in the direction of traffic and obeying all signs and signals
Using front white lights, rear red lights or reflectors, and reflective clothing when riding at night
Avoiding distractions such as phones or headphones
Using hand signals before turning or stopping
Riding predictably and remaining visible to drivers
Never riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Motorists are also being reminded to do their part by remaining alert, checking blind spots, sharing the road responsibly, and allowing safe passing distance when near cyclists.

“Eyes on the Road, Rockland. Stay alert. Follow the rules. Look out for one another,” county officials said in the public safety reminder.

More information about bicycle and pedestrian safety is available through the Rockland County Safe Streets page.

Government

President Trump Visits Rockland County: Historic Event Draws National Attention

Published

1 week ago

May 21, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Rockland County on Friday in what is expected to be one of the most significant political events in the Hudson Valley this year. The appearance marks the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to Rockland County since President Gerald Ford visited the area in 1976.

Trump is expected to appear alongside Congressman Mike Lawler during an official White House-style event focused on affordability, taxes, and economic policy. According to multiple reports, the event will take place at Rockland Community College and could attract thousands of supporters, local residents, media members, and protesters.

A major topic of discussion is expected to be the State and Local Tax deduction, commonly known as the SALT cap. Trump and Lawler are expected to highlight efforts to raise the deduction limit from $10,000 to $40,000 — an issue with strong political importance in suburban New York communities where property taxes remain high.

The visit also underscores the growing national attention on New York’s 17th Congressional District, one of the most competitive swing districts in the country ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Political analysts say Lawler’s reelection campaign is being closely watched as Republicans attempt to maintain control of the House of Representatives.

Local officials are warning residents to expect significant traffic disruptions and heightened security throughout the area during the president’s visit. Roads surrounding the venue may face temporary closures as Secret Service and local law enforcement coordinate security operations.

Trump’s appearance in Rockland County comes amid a busy week of public events for the president, including a commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut.

For many residents, the visit represents a historic moment for Rockland County and highlights the region’s growing importance in national politics. Supporters view the event as a major opportunity to energize Republican voters in the Hudson Valley, while critics are expected to organize demonstrations nearby.

The event is expected to draw widespread regional and national media coverage as political attention increasingly turns toward the 2026 election season.