Carmel Recreation & Parks

For us New Yorkers, particularly those in Putnam County, the Town of Carmel Recreation & Parks Department is not just an administrative office; it's the heart of our community's vibrant outdoor life and recreational programming. Headquartered at the expansive Sycamore Park in Mahopac, this department is the driving force behind the diverse array of activities, facilities, and green spaces that enrich the lives of residents in Carmel and Mahopac. As one satisfied local reviewer succinctly put it, "Jim Gilchrist and his staff do a fine job for the residents of Carmel and Mahopac." This sentiment truly captures the dedication and impact of their work.

Carmel Recreation & Parks oversees a wealth of resources that cater to all ages and interests. From meticulously maintained athletic fields like those at Sycamore Park and Crane Fields, which serve as home bases for countless youth sports leagues, to serene natural preserves offering peaceful walking trails, they ensure there's something for everyone. Their mission extends beyond simply managing physical spaces; they actively foster joy, creativity, and connection by providing a wide variety of programs and events throughout the year.

Whether you're looking to enroll your child in a summer camp, join a fitness class, enjoy a concert in the park, or simply find a beautiful spot for a picnic, Carmel Recreation & Parks is your go-to resource. They are committed to making recreation accessible to all, embracing the rich history and natural beauty that define our town. By uniting residents through engaging activities and shared experiences, they play a crucial role in strengthening our community, making Carmel and Mahopac truly special places to live, work, and play.

The main office and central hub for Carmel Recreation & Parks are located at 790 Long Pond Road, Mahopac, NY 10541, USA. This address is specifically within Sycamore Park, a large and comprehensive park facility in Mahopac. This strategic location ensures that the department is easily accessible to residents from both Mahopac and Carmel Hamlet, as well as the wider Putnam County area.

Being situated within Sycamore Park means that visitors coming to the office for registration, inquiries, or information can also easily explore one of the town's premier recreational spaces. Ample parking is available at Sycamore Park, making visits convenient for those driving. The park itself is well-known in the area, and navigating to it is straightforward via Long Pond Road.

For those who prefer to register for programs or inquire about services from home, the department also offers robust online resources. Their online registration system, Community Pass, allows residents to browse upcoming programs, complete registrations, and make secure payments digitally. This blend of a centralized physical office and accessible online platforms ensures that Carmel Recreation & Parks services are readily available to all residents, regardless of their preferred mode of interaction.

• Extensive Program & Class Offerings: A wide variety of recreational programs and classes for all ages, including youth sports (baseball, softball, soccer, football), fitness classes, arts and crafts, and more.
• Summer Camp Series: Comprehensive full-day summer camps for children ages 5-15, providing structured fun and learning experiences during school breaks.
• Park & Facility Management: Oversight and maintenance of numerous town parks and recreational facilities, including:
  • Sycamore Town Park (beach, playgrounds, tennis, pickleball, basketball, baseball/football fields, picnic areas, dog park)
  • Crane Fields / Jimmy McDonough Memorial Park (lighted baseball, softball, soccer, football fields, skate park)
  • Chamber Park (waterfront park on Lake Mahopac with gazebo, fountain, playground)
  • Red Mills Park (passive park with walking paths, open meadow, gazebo)
  • Volz Park (passive park with amazing views of Lake Mahopac and hiking trails)
  • Paul A. Camarda Park (lacrosse/soccer, baseball, basketball courts, nature trails, picnic area)
  • Michael Geary Memorial Roller Hockey Rink
  • Baldwin Meadows Park (soccer fields, basketball courts, walking trail, playground)
  • Airport Park (multiple soccer/lacrosse fields, walking trails)
• Online Registration System (Community Pass): A user-friendly platform for convenient online registration and payment for programs and camps.
• Facility Rentals & Permits: Management of permits for facility rentals, including picnic areas, athletic fields, and the Sycamore Bark Park.
• Special Events: Organization and hosting of community events throughout the year, such as the Sunset Concert Series.
• Senior Adult Activities: Programs and activities specifically designed for the senior population.
• Employment Opportunities: Hiring for seasonal positions, including camp staff, waterfront staff, and maintenance.

The department's mission is to bring people together through recreation, fostering joy, creativity, and connection, and making recreation accessible to all while embracing the town's natural beauty.

• Diverse Park Portfolio: Manages a wide range of parks, from active sports complexes like Sycamore Town Park and Crane Fields to passive natural areas like Red Mills Park and Volz Park, offering something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.
• Premier Youth Sports Programs: Known for robust youth sports leagues in baseball, softball, soccer, and football, utilizing top-notch facilities.
• Comprehensive Summer Camps: Provides a variety of full-day summer camp options for different age groups, a vital service for working families.
• Sycamore Park Hub: Sycamore Town Park itself is a major highlight, featuring a beach, multiple playgrounds, various courts, a dog park, and picnic areas, acting as a central recreational amenity.
• Community Engagement: Actively organizes and hosts community events, such as the popular Sunset Concert Series, fostering a strong sense of community and providing local entertainment.
• User-Friendly Online System: The Community Pass online registration platform simplifies program sign-ups and payments for residents.
• Dedicated Staff: As evidenced by local reviews ("Jim Gilchrist and his staff do a fine job"), the department is known for its committed and effective team.
• Accessibility Focus: Committed to making recreation accessible to all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that town resources benefit the entire community.

Carmel Recreation & Parks, as a municipal department, primarily "offers" its services and facilities at affordable rates, or often free for general use, to residents of the Town of Carmel. Their core mission is public service, not commercial promotions.

• Affordable Programs and Camps: Program and summer camp fees are structured to be accessible to residents, providing high-quality recreational and educational opportunities at a reasonable cost. Non-resident fees may be higher.
• Free Park Access: Many of the town's parks and their general amenities (playgrounds, trails, unreserved fields/courts) are available for public use without an entry fee.
• Community Events: The department frequently organizes free community events, such as the annual Sunset Concert Series at Sycamore Park, offering entertainment and gathering opportunities for all residents.
• Resident-Specific Benefits: Amenities like beach access at Sycamore Park and certain facility rentals are prioritized and often exclusively available to Town of Carmel residents, ensuring community benefits are directed locally.
• Online Information & Brochures: They provide detailed "Spring into Summer" brochures and other program guides online, allowing residents to easily discover and plan their recreational activities well in advance.
• Donated Sports Equipment: While not a direct "promotion," the department is open to and makes "good use of some donated sports equipment," indicating a community-minded approach that helps support broader participation.

For the most current schedule of programs, events, and any associated fees, residents should regularly check the official Town of Carmel website or the Recreation & Parks Department's online registration portal.

Address: 790 Long Pond Rd, Mahopac, NY 10541, USA

Phone: (845) 628-7888

Mobile Phone: +1 845-628-7888

For all inquiries related to parks, recreation programs, summer camps, facility rentals, or any other services provided by the department, the Town of Carmel Recreation & Parks Department staff are readily available. The provided phone numbers connect directly to their main office located within Sycamore Park.

In addition to phone contact, their official website, accessible via townofcarmelny.gov, is an invaluable resource. The "Recreation & Parks Department" section of the website offers detailed information, including program catalogs, online registration links (Community Pass), park facility descriptions, hours of operation, and a staff directory with direct email contacts for specific inquiries. It is highly recommended to visit their website for the most up-to-date information and to streamline any registration or inquiry processes.

For us New Yorkers living in the Town of Carmel, encompassing Mahopac and Carmel Hamlet, the Carmel Recreation & Parks Department is not just suitable; it is indispensable to our community's quality of life. This department is the central nervous system for virtually all organized outdoor and recreational activities in the area, providing a truly comprehensive suite of services that cater to every demographic. As one parent noted, "This place had everything my son could possibly want to play with and then some. Wore him out!" This speaks to the effectiveness of their programming and facilities for active children and families.

The sheer breadth of their offerings, from diverse youth sports leagues to enriching summer camps, adult fitness classes, and specialized facilities like the Sycamore Bark Park, means that residents rarely need to look outside the town for quality recreational opportunities. Their management of numerous parks, each with its unique features—be it a beach, playgrounds, athletic fields, or serene walking trails—ensures that every local has access to the type of outdoor experience they seek, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle.

Moreover, the department's commitment to community engagement, evidenced by events like the Sunset Concert Series, helps build strong social bonds and provides local entertainment that brings people together. The dedication of their staff and the accessibility of their services, both in-person and online, make participation seamless and enjoyable. In essence, Carmel Recreation & Parks actively cultivates a vibrant, connected, and healthy community, making it an irreplaceable asset for anyone living in this beautiful part of New York.

Carmel Recreation & Parks

790 Long Pond Rd, Mahopac, NY 10541, USA