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

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11 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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Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

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9 hours ago

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May 9, 2026

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Littering is illegal and can result in fines for those who commit the offense. Some litterbugs simply need to be informed and reminded that littering — whether deliberate or unintentional — can end with a personal commitment to stop.

The Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make Rockland County’s roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual with an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter.

If you see someone littering from their car, or trash blowing out from the back of a truck, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will send the vehicle owner a warning letter based on your report to Keep Rockland Beautiful.

To report a litterbug, visit: Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program

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Government

Senate Approves Bill Expanding SPCA Fingerprinting Access

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2 days ago

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May 7, 2026

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A bipartisan bill sponsored by Pete Harckham aimed at helping SPCAs across New York more effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases has passed the State Senate unanimously.

The legislation, S.1664, would authorize SPCA officers statewide to access the same live scan fingerprinting system currently used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. Supporters say the measure would streamline arrest processing, improve officer efficiency, and help prevent suspects from avoiding prosecution.

At present, many SPCA officers in New York must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to process fingerprints after making an arrest, often causing delays.

“SPCA officers must have the tools and resources they need to protect defenseless animals from cruelty and neglect and the public at large from serial abusers,” Harckham said in a statement. “With access to live scan fingerprinting, officers can quickly determine whether a suspect has a history of abuse or is wanted for other crimes.”

Harckham said the legislation was inspired by conversations with officers from the Putnam County SPCA, who reported that delays in fingerprint processing sometimes allowed suspects with outstanding warrants to remain free longer than necessary.

Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA praised the bill’s passage, noting the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes.

“Animal cruelty crimes are especially disturbing because they target the most vulnerable,” Ross said. “These offenses are often linked to other forms of violence, including child abuse and domestic violence.”

According to supporters of the legislation, animal cruelty cases have increased across New York since the COVID-19 pandemic. SPCAs cite rising living costs, behavioral health challenges, and the expiration of eviction protections as contributing factors.

Data from Humane Society International indicates that 85% of individuals arrested for animal cruelty have prior arrests, many involving felony offenses. The organization also reports significant overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse cases.

If enacted into law, the bill would expand investigative capabilities for SPCAs statewide and strengthen coordination between animal welfare agencies and law enforcement officials.

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