CARMEL – The Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park will open for the season on Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer, County Executive MaryEllen Odell announced.
The 200-plus acre park is open for hiking, fishing, picnicking, fun, games, and, of course, swimming at the only public county-owned lake in Putnam.
“With every activity that returns, we are one step closer to putting the Coronavirus pandemic behind us,” Odell said. “So go out and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us in Putnam County, especially in our lovely Veterans Memorial Park.”
Last year, in response to the pandemic, the park opened late in the season, limited capacity, and had strict rules on group activities.
The park opened this year on May 29, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day through Labor Day. The beach opens at 10:30 a.m. and the rules have been eased.
The Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park has several memorials honoring those who have served in the armed services.
Among the attractions are an M-60 Tank, a Cobra-318 Helicopter, and several other memorials. On Sunday, May 30, the New York Riders motorcycle group dedicated a new memorial to fallen veterans, the Battlefield Cross.
Parking at the park on Gipsy Trail Road, Carmel is $8 a day, or $40 for a season’s pass for county residents and $85 for a season’s pass for non-county residents. There are discounts for seniors. Parking is free for veterans.
