Kennedy - Dells County Park

For residents of New York, particularly those in Rockland County, Kennedy - Dells County Park in New City stands out as a versatile and cherished outdoor destination. It’s a place where the community can gather for active sports, enjoy serene nature walks, and let their canine companions roam. Unlike some of the more manicured or strictly wild spaces, Kennedy - Dells offers a compelling blend, catering to a wide array of recreational interests right here in our backyard. This park is a testament to Rockland County’s commitment to providing accessible and diverse green spaces for its citizens.

Often described as a "nice park overall with some nice trails," Kennedy - Dells County Park consistently receives praise for its expansive offerings. Whether you're a local athlete looking for a game, a family seeking a place for kids to play, or an individual simply yearning for a quiet escape into nature, this park has something for everyone. Its multi-faceted design ensures that even during busy times, there are pockets of tranquility to be found, making it a truly suitable option for New Yorkers navigating their diverse leisure pursuits.

One of the key highlights of Kennedy - Dells is its balance between active recreation and passive enjoyment of nature. The presence of "plenty of parking and a lot of soccer fields and baseball, and basketball" underscores its role as a hub for community sports and organized activities. Simultaneously, "many trails which you can also walk your dog" offer a peaceful counterpoint, where the atmosphere is "really peaceful and quiet" and "all the trails they’re not many people and it’s really like Woody area." This dual nature allows different groups to coexist and enjoy the park without significant overlap or conflict.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Kennedy - Dells County Park, specifically tailored to help New York residents understand its numerous benefits and features. We’ll delve into its accessibility, the specific amenities it offers, and why it remains a top choice for outdoor recreation in New City and wider Rockland County.

Kennedy - Dells County Park is ideally located at 19 Zukor Rd, New City, NY 10956, USA. This central positioning within New City, the county seat of Rockland County, makes it highly accessible for local residents and visitors from surrounding towns. Zukor Road itself provides convenient access to the park's main entrance and facilities.

One of the significant advantages highlighted by park-goers is the "plenty of parking" available. This is a crucial factor for a park that hosts numerous sports fields and attracts families and groups, ensuring that visitors can easily find a spot without undue stress. The ample parking directly contributes to the park's user-friendly nature, allowing for convenient access to all its offerings.

While the park is primarily accessed by car, its location in New City means it's part of a well-developed suburban area. For those relying on public transportation, local bus routes (operated by Transport of Rockland, or TOR) may have stops within a reasonable distance, requiring a short walk to the park entrance. However, for most New Yorkers in this area, driving remains the most practical way to reach Kennedy - Dells. Its proximity to major local roads also means it's a relatively quick drive from neighboring communities like Bardonia, Congers, Nanuet, and Pomona, making it a regional draw for outdoor recreation.

The park's integration into the local landscape, despite bordering some "residential houses where their yard opens onto the path," does not detract from its overall appeal. While one reviewer mentioned this aspect in the context of a "less than memorable experience" on a cold, rainy day, for most, it is a minor detail that doesn't hinder the enjoyment of the park's extensive trails and open spaces. The layout allows for a balance between natural serenity and convenient access within a suburban setting, enhancing its suitability for regular local use.

Kennedy - Dells County Park provides a wide array of services and amenities, catering to both active recreation enthusiasts and those seeking quiet immersion in nature. Its diverse offerings make it a comprehensive outdoor destination for New City residents.

• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts "some nice trails" which are "really peaceful and quiet." These trails are suitable for walking, jogging, and "also walk your dog," offering a serene environment for exercise and nature observation. The park features named trails like the Bridle Path (white-blazed) and the Fitness Trail (yellow-blazed), which can be combined for loop hikes.
• Multi-Sport Fields: Kennedy - Dells is a hub for team sports, offering "a lot of soccer fields and baseball" facilities. These well-maintained fields are ideal for organized leagues, casual games, and practices, supporting the local athletic community.
• Basketball Courts: For individual or group play, dedicated "basketball" courts provide another active recreation option for visitors of all ages.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: Dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a popular spot for pet owners. The park offers an "off-leash dog area," allowing canine companions to enjoy the open space, though leash rules may apply in certain areas or sports fields.
• Picnic Areas: The park typically features picnic tables and possibly pavilions, providing designated spots for families and groups to enjoy outdoor meals and gatherings.
• Restrooms: Importantly, the park provides restrooms, a crucial amenity for visitors spending extended periods, particularly families and sports teams.
• Nature Study & Wildlife Observation: With its "Woody area" and natural habitats along Crum Creek, the park is suitable for nature study, birdwatching, and observing local wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various bird species.
• Cross Country Skiing: In the winter months, the park's trails can be utilized for cross-country skiing, offering a seasonal recreational activity.

While one review mentioned the need for "better facilities," the official Rockland County Parks information indicates that restrooms and handicapped accessible facilities are available, suggesting continuous efforts to improve visitor experience.

Kennedy - Dells County Park is rich with features that make it a compelling destination for New York residents, offering a blend of active recreation and natural beauty.

• Extensive Green Space: The park encompasses 179 acres of "flat rolling topography" with "heavily wooded" sections of diverse trees like Hemlock, White Pine, and various oaks. This vastness ensures ample space for all activities without feeling overcrowded.
• Varied Trail System: Beyond just being "nice trails," the park boasts specific named routes like the 1.4-mile white-blazed Bridle Path and the 1.4-mile yellow-blazed Fitness Trail. These offer "easy" hikes, suitable for all skill levels, looping around the perimeter and through different landscapes.
• Serene Woodland Walks: A significant highlight is the opportunity for "peaceful and quiet" walks within the "Woody area," where visitors can experience tranquility and a sense of escape. This is particularly appealing to those seeking solace in nature.
• Crum Creek and Waterfall: The park is bounded on its western side by the scenic Crum Creek, along which a hiking trail winds. A significant historical and natural feature is the "spectacularly beautiful waterfall," which is actually a "breached dam" but functions as a natural cascade. Old ruins from an old pumping station and a former bridge can be found near the waterfall, adding a historical dimension to the natural beauty.
• Abundance of Sports Facilities: The park's multiple "soccer fields and baseball, and basketball" courts are a major draw, providing excellent venues for organized sports leagues and casual games, catering to the active segments of the community.
• Dog-Friendly Trails & Off-Leash Area: The park is very accommodating to dog owners, offering trails where dogs can be walked and a designated "off-leash dog area," which is a highly valued amenity for pet parents in the area.
• Historic Significance: The land was once owned by movie producer Adolph Zukor, and remnants of his estate, including "old ruins" and a "teahouse" bridge, add an intriguing historical layer to the park, inviting exploration and imagination.
• Ample Parking: The presence of "plenty of parking" is a practical highlight, ensuring ease of access for all visitors, even during peak usage times.

As a county park primarily funded by public resources, Kennedy - Dells County Park does not operate with commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a retail business would. Access to the park and most of its core amenities is generally free for the public, reflecting its role as a community resource.

However, the park does offer invaluable "special opportunities" and benefits that contribute significantly to the local community's quality of life:

• Free Public Access: The most significant "offer" is the open, free access to its vast green spaces, trails, and general recreation areas. This ensures that all New York residents, regardless of income, can enjoy the park's natural beauty and recreational facilities.
• Year-Round Recreational Opportunities: The park provides continuous "offers" of recreation throughout the seasons – hiking and sports in warmer months, and cross-country skiing when snow falls. This consistent availability is a major benefit.
• Permits for Facilities: While general park use is free, specific facilities like pavilions or sports fields may require permits for exclusive use, particularly for organized events or leagues. Information on "Park Permits" can be found on the Rockland County Park System's official website. These permits, while having a fee, "offer" dedicated access to prime spots for community gatherings or sports events.
• Guided Tours and Lectures: The Rockland County Park System sometimes offers "guided tours and lectures by the Park Rangers" within its parks, including Kennedy - Dells. These educational programs, often free or low-cost, provide a unique "offer" to learn about the park's ecology, history, and wildlife.
• Community Event Hosting: The park's extensive fields and picnic areas "offer" a valuable space for local schools, sports clubs, and community groups to host events, fostering local engagement and healthy activity.

For specific details on permit applications or scheduled educational programs, it is best to refer to the official Rockland County Parks website or contact their office directly.

For any inquiries regarding Kennedy - Dells County Park, including information about park facilities, trail conditions, permits for sports fields or pavilions, or general assistance, the primary point of contact is the Rockland County Parks Department.

Address: 19 Zukor Rd, New City, NY 10956, USA

Phone: (845) 364-2731

Mobile Phone: +1 845-364-2731 (This number serves as a direct contact, particularly useful for those calling from outside the immediate local area or internationally, though the primary local number is typically sufficient for inquiries within the U.S.)

Official Website: For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, including park maps, rules and regulations, permit application forms, and details on events or programs, New York residents should visit the official website for the Rockland County Park System (typically found via a search for "Rockland County Parks NY"). This online resource is invaluable for planning your visit and staying informed about park amenities and any seasonal notices.

The park is generally open year-round, from 8 AM to sunset, but it's always a good idea to check official sources for any temporary closures or specific event schedules.

For New Yorkers, especially those residing in Rockland County, Kennedy - Dells County Park in New City is an exceptionally suitable and highly valued local amenity. Its appeal lies in its remarkable versatility, catering to a wide range of recreational needs and fostering a strong sense of community engagement, all within an easily accessible and naturally beautiful setting.

Firstly, Kennedy - Dells excels at providing diverse recreational opportunities. Unlike parks that specialize in just one activity, this park is a true multi-faceted hub. For active residents, the "plenty of soccer fields and baseball, and basketball" courts are a significant draw, offering excellent venues for local leagues, school sports, and casual games. This makes it a central meeting point for community athletics, promoting health and team spirit. Simultaneously, for those seeking a more tranquil experience, the "many trails" that are "really peaceful and quiet" provide an ideal escape. This dual nature ensures that every member of a local family, from the sports enthusiast to the nature lover, can find something to enjoy, often at the same time and in the same place.

Secondly, the park's natural features, particularly the extensive "Woody area" and the scenic Crum Creek with its "waterfall" and historic ruins, offer an immersive natural experience that is rare for a county park. For New Yorkers eager to connect with nature, these elements provide beautiful backdrops for walks, photography, and wildlife observation. The presence of the "breached dam" waterfall, though man-made, is a unique and picturesque highlight that adds character and a sense of discovery to the trails. This blend of natural beauty and subtle historical remnants offers a rich tapestry for exploration and contemplation, right within our local community.

Moreover, the dog-friendly policy, especially the presence of an "off-leash dog area," is a huge advantage for the many pet owners in New York. Finding safe and spacious places where dogs can run freely is a constant challenge, and Kennedy - Dells meets this need admirably. This fosters a welcoming environment for the entire family, including our four-legged members, strengthening the park's role as a true community space. The ample parking also ensures that accessing these varied amenities is stress-free, making it easy for locals to integrate park visits into their busy schedules.

In conclusion, Kennedy - Dells County Park is a cornerstone of outdoor life in New City, NY. Its strategic location, extensive facilities for both active and passive recreation, stunning natural features, and dog-friendly policies make it an indispensable resource for local residents. It truly embodies the ideal of a community park, offering something for everyone and consistently enhancing the quality of life for New Yorkers in Rockland County.

Kennedy - Dells County Park

19 Zukor Rd, New City, NY 10956, USA