Westchester News: What is Happening (and not) in our Community
This impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve and change the course of our daily lives and the future of life as we know it. In Westchester, there was the recent news that the county is getting close to reaching their reopening benchmarks; however, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan counties also have to meet these goals. Until this happens, it is important to be aware of the canceled, postponed, and the latest news in the area. Below, we are sharing a current list of what’s going on in the area, and be sure to stay connected to WestchesterGov.com for the latest local updates and news.
Muscoot Farms Market: The popular farmers’ market is up but you have to register in advance for certain time slots and days at westchestercountyparks.eventbrite.com. Additional rules include the wearing of masks and gloves at all times, verification of registration, limited shopping time to 30 minutes, one-way circulation, contactless payment, to name some stipulations.
According to the Westchester Parks Foundation, the following areas are open, but parking lots may close intermittently on high-volume days. This includes outdoor areas in parks, nature preserves. recreational trails, Muscoot Farm, Lasdon Park and Arboretum, Playland Park. To promote social distancing, one-way traffic is in place on paths and trails at Kensico Dam Plaza, Cranberry Lake Preserve, and Marshlands Conservancy.
Lenoir Preserve: This is the site of the new memorial, the Ribbons of Remembrance, which is dedicated to Westchester residents who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. Visitors are encouraged to write the name of someone they lost on the ribbon and tie it to the trees or rope structure.
Bicycle Sundays: Bronx River Parkway: Held on May 17, May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10 am – 2 pm, Bicycle Sundays are Main Street in White Plains south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. Social distancing and masks are required to participate.
Playland Beach: The boardwalk at Playland Beach is currently open for walking and off-leash dogs.
Westchester Festivals canceled so far are:
Polish Heritage Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza, Sunday, May 17
Asian Heritage Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza, Saturday, June 6
Albanian Heritage Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza, Sunday, June 7
Portuguese Heritage Festival – Ridge Road Park, Sunday, June 7
African American Heritage Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza, Sunday, June 28
Hispanic Heritage Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza, Sunday, July 12
Festivals on hold are:
Italian Heritage Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza, Sunday, July 19
Heritage of India Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza, Sunday, Aug. 2
Ecuadorian Festival – Croton Point Park, Sunday, Aug. 9
Jewish Heritage Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza, Sunday, Aug. 16
Muslim Heritage Festival – Kensico Dam Plaza, Sunday, Aug. 23
Closed Parks and Areas, According to the Westchester County Parks
Westchester County Center building and west parking lot
Miniature Golf Courses
Glen Island Park (COVID-19 drive-through testing area)
Playland Ice Casino
Westchester Children’s Museum at Playland
Lasdon Park and Arboretum – indoor spaces and features. Grounds are open.
Nature Center buildings and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation office (grounds open)
Permit Office for in-person visits at 450 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley. Phone calls are taken at (914) 231-4575 during regular business hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No new reservations being taken until further notice.
Playgrounds, ballfields, tractor at Muscoot, “The Rising” September 11th memorial at Kensico Dam Plaza and other outdoor features where children and/or adults congregate
Basketball courts at V.E. Macy Park and Tibbetts Brook Park
Tennis courts at Tibbetts Brook Park
Pavilions
Grills – all grilling areas both reserved and walk-up.
Food Vendors
County pools and beaches – All remain closed until further notice.
Westchester Golf Courses:
All six Golf Westchester courses are now open: Mohansic, Hudson Hills, Dunwoodie, Sprain Lake, Saxon Woods, and Maple Moor.
