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Parks and Recreation

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1. What are the office hours of the administration office?

The administration office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for all inquires and reservations.

2. Are dogs permitted in the parks?

Dogs are permitted in most parks if they are leashed, up to date with shots and under the command of the owner. Owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their dogs. Dogs are not allowed on sports fields, golf courses, the Arboretum, Hill Hold Museum and other posted areas. An off-leash Dog Park is located at Thomas Bull Memorial Park.

3. Do you have any picnic shelters in the parks system available to rent for events, meetings, etc.?

Yes, we have nine different picnic shelters located throughout the parks system. These open air picnic shelters are located in Thomas Bull Memorial Park (4), Algonquin Park (2), Winding Hills Park, Warwick County Park,  and D&H Canal Park. Each picnic shelter features charcoal grills, picnic tables, restroom facilities and access to playgrounds and/or playing fields. These facilities require a reservation fee. The fees vary depending on the location and capacity (See Fee Structure). Maximum Capacity for open air picnic shelters range from 48-600, depending on the facility. Call (845) 615-3830 for more information or to make a reservation.

4. Do you have any indoor facilities in the parks system available to rent for events, meetings, etc.?

Yes, we have six different indoor facilities available to rent for events, meetings, etc. There are two Golf Courses that feature full service banquet facilities and four other indoor facilities located throughout the County. Most of the indoor facilities feature tables, chairs, restroom facilities, kitchen areas and access to our local park system. These facilities require a reservation fee. The fees vary depending on the location and capacity (See Fee Structure). Maximum Capacity for these facilities range from 48-140, depending on the facility. Call (845) 615-3830 for more information or to make a reservation.

5. How do I make a facility reservation for a picnic shelter or building?

Reservations are required for all buildings and picnic shelters and can be made by calling (845) 615-3830. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance. Full payment is required 60 days in advance of the rental. Some rentals may require a certificate of insurance.

Reservation Process:

• Call or stop by the Parks Department to check for availability of requested date(s) of interest
• If there is availability, complete the department reservation form
• Review and Sign permit when received
• Submit final payment at least 60 days prior to reserved date
• Obtain insurance, if required

Information you should have when making a reservation:

• Location of desired park/facility
• Time frame area is requested (no later than 9 pm)
• Alternate dates
• Name, address, group name if applicable, phone number, number of people in group and type of event
• Number of tables, chairs needed (if using indoor facility)
• Will the event feature any of the following; tent(s), alcoholic beverages, caterers, DJ or any other special set-up?

For more information, please go to the following links:
Policies and Procedures – Rentals and Fee Structure

6. Are there any facilities for fishing available in the County Parks System? Fishing is available at each of the following parks:

• Winding Hills Park – Montgomery, NY: A 40 acre lake and 4-acre pond are available for everyone’s fishing enjoyment at no charge. Fishing may be done on the shoreline or in a boat on the lake. Only electric powered boats may be permitted. All boaters must wear life jackets. Equipment and bait are not provided. Fishing licenses are required in accordance with NY State Law. Ice fishing is permitted only when conditions are safe (signs will be posted.) See posted rules at Boathouse.
  
  
• Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point – New Windsor, NY: Located on the banks of the Hudson River in the Town of New Windsor. This 102-acre park boasts magnificent vistas of the Hudson Valley gorge and a 2,000 foot sandy riverfront. Car top boating and fishing are available for visitors to enjoy. Fishing licenses are required in accordance with NY State Law.
  
  
• Algonguin Park – Newburgh, NY: This pond is located off of Powder Mill Road and Route 52 in Newburgh. The pond is stocked annually. Fishing licenses are required in accordance with NY State Law.

 

7. Are there any facilities for boating available in the County Parks System?

• Winding Hills Park – Montgomery, NY: A 40 acre lake is open for boating with your own non-motorized, hard bottom boat from approximately the first Saturday in May to the fourth Sunday in October, weather permitting.  All boaters must wear a life jacket. The public may launch their own boats with the approval of the ranger at such times as an attendant is on duty. Posted rules must be observed.
  
  
• Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point – New Windsor, NY: Located on the banks of the Hudson River in the Town of New Windsor. This 102-acre park boasts magnificent vistas of the Hudson Valley gorge and a 2,000 foot sandy riverfront. Car top boating is available for visitors to enjoy.
  
  
• Thomas Bull Memorial Park–Hamptonburgh, NY: There is a “car-top” access area to the Wallkill River available year-round.

8. Is hiking, biking, skating, or horseback riding allowed on Golf Courses or Golf Course Cart-paths?

No, these areas are restricted to golfing. However, please refer to question 24 for a list of trails within the parks system.

9. Can I hunt in the County Parks System?

No, hunting is prohibited on County Owned and operated parks.

10. Are there any places to swim in the County Parks System?

No, there are no public swimming facilities in the County Parks System. Many local municipalities offer swim facilities for their residents.

11. Are all-terrain vehicles allowed to operate in the County Parks System?

All-Terrain Vehicles are prohibited from operating within the County Parks System; including but not limited to; trails, parks, athletic fields, access roads, waterfront areas, open space and golf courses.

12. How can I reserve a field at Cronomer Park?

The softball and baseball fields at Cronomer Park are managed by the County of Orange, however are scheduled by the Town of Newburgh Recreation Department. They can be reached at (845) 564-7815. The multi-purpose athletic field and tennis courts are scheduled by the County Parks Department. Call (845) 615-3830 for more information.

13. How can I reserve a tour or learn more about events/programs at Hill-Hold or Brick House Museums?

For information on hours and days of operation or to schedule a tour of the Hill-Hold and Brick House Museums call (845) 615-3830.

14. How can I reserve a tour or learn more about events/programs at the Arboretum?

Tours of the Arboretum can be scheduled by calling (845) 615-3828.

15. How do I reserve a tee time for golf?

TONY FORD & HICKORY HILL GOLF COURSES –
Tee-times reservations can only be made on-line using your personal computer, the computer provided at each golf course or by phone.

• Website – www.orangecountygov.com
• Tee-time reservations can be made up to eight (8) days in advance online starting at 9 p.m. Example: For a tee-time on Saturday, April 30, the earliest you can reserve on-line is Friday, April 22, at 9 p.m.
• Phone reservations can be made up to three (3) days in advance starting at 9 a.m. Example: For a tee-time on Saturday, April 29, the earliest you can reserve a tee time via a phone reservation is Wednesday, April 26, at 9 a.m. (Subject to revision)
• A tee-time reservation can be made for two (2), three (3) or four (4) golfers.
• Single golfer tee-time reservations will not be accepted.
• Only one tee-time reservation will be accepted per internet inquiry.
• A credit card will be required to hold all tee-time reservations.
• Within the 24-hour window, you can only add to your tee-time reservation, if slots are available.
• On the day of play, tee-time reservations will be accepted in-person or, by phone. On-line tee-time reservations will no longer be accepted.

NOTE: Course management will continue to reserve tee-times for tournament and league play. For additional information, please contact:
Stony Ford Golf Course	(845) 457-4949	stonyford@co.orange.ny.us
Hickory Hill Golf Course	(845) 988-9501	hickoryhill@co.orange.ny.us

The staff at both courses will always work with you to insure you continue to enjoy golfing at our facilities each and every time you come.

These policies are subject to revision at the discretion of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation.

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16. Where can I find a playground in the County Parks System?

There are playgrounds available at the following parks: Thomas Bull Memorial Park (4), Cronomer Hill Park (2), Algonquin Park, D&H Canal Park, Warwick County Park and Winding Hills Park.

17. Where can I find tennis courts in the County Parks System?

There are six fast dry Har-Tru tennis courts available at David A Pardy Tennis Center at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in the Town of Hamptonburgh. These courts are available at no charge on a first come, first serve basis but use by tennis leagues requires court reservations (845-457-4910) and a nominal fee. There are also six lighted tennis courts available at no charge on a first-come, first-serve basis at Cronomer Hill Park in the Town of Newburgh.

18. Does the County Park have a Senior Center?

No. The County Senior Center at the Warwick County Park has been closed. For information about other senior centers or programs for seniors please contact the Orange County Office for the Aging at 845-615-3700.

19. Does the County have any banquet facilities for events, ceremonies, meetings, etc.?

There are two full-service banquet facilities in the County Parks System at Stony Ford Golf Course and Hickory Hill Golf Course. Food and beverage service for events must be arranged directly with the concessionaire (Orange Hospitality). Beer and cocktails are available. Outside food brought in by groups and use of outside caterers is not permitted at the Golf Course facilities.

20. What does the County have available for winter activities?

 At Thomas Bull Memorial Park there is an ice skating rink, sledding hill and groomed cross county ski trails (with natural snow). Ice fishing, skating and groomed snowmobile trails are available at Winding Hills Park. All activities are weather permitting.

21. What is the fee structure for the different facilities in the Orange County Parks System?

See our current Fee Structure here.

22. Where can I find directions to the parks and facilities operated by Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation?

Directions

23. Where can I find trails in the Orange County Parks System?

We have many miles of trails within the Orange County Parks System for exercise, nature observation and/or relaxation in the outdoors.

• Heritage Trail – Hartley Road, Goshen to Airplane Park, Monroe – 11.5 miles of trail for biking, walking and running. Most of the trail has a paved surface.
• Winding Hills – Rustic trails throughout the woods and around the 40-acre lake. These trails are great for hiking or horseback riding.
• Thomas Bull Memorial Park – Trail loop with various exercise stations alongside our 6-acre pond.
• Arboretum – 35-acres of natural beauty displaying trees, shrubs, walkways, benches, gardens, water features and 9/11 Memorial.
• Cronomer Hill Park – Trails ascending to our 30’ observation tower, which provides panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley and surrounding area as far as High Point, New Jersey.
• Algonquin – Natural trails travel through wooded areas featuring old Civil War powder buildings and around ponds.
• D&H Canal – Natural Trail runs parallel with the banks of the canal.
• Warwick County Park – Miles of natural trails traveling through wooded areas. These trails are great for hiking or horseback riding.
• Gonzaga Park — The Long Path runs through this park, and parking is available here to access this trail. Go to www.nynjtc.org for more information on this trail.

24. Is there a fee to enter the parks?

There is no fee, pass or permit for general use of our parks. There are some specialized facilities, facility rentals and equipment rentals that will require a fee. See our Fee Structure for a complete list.

25. What are the park hours?

Most parks are open dawn to dusk, with varying hours at some sites depending on location and use

26. How can I find out what amenities/features are available at each park?

Use the links on this page to learn more about any of our parks.