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

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1 year 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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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

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2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

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2 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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