Westchester County boasts a large park system that offers many outdoor activities, including several fun water spray parks. The county covers 450 square miles in the southernmost part of New York State and has 45 different municipalities. You can find many slower-paced communities and villages in the north, while the south has more suburban character and the faster pace and excitement of the big city.
Wilson’s Waves
Located in the city of Mt. Vernon, Wilson’s Woods Park is home to Wilson’s Waves, a water park with four water recreation areas. Its interactive water spray ground ranges from zero to 1 1/2 feet deep and features water sprays, fountains, curtains and cascades. A spray deck containing 57 different spray heads, a wave pool and a pool with two 18-foot water slides are also available. You will need a county park pass for admission to the pool facilities.
Tibbetts Brook Park
One of the first parks created in Westchester County, Tibbetts Brook Park encompasses 161 acres of land in the city of Yonkers. Featured in the park is a spray playground, in-pool volleyball and basketball, lap lanes and a lazy river, which inspired the “brook” part of the park’s new name. The park's classic, Tudor-style bathhouse still stands, restored to maintain its vintage look. Visitors will also have access to woodlands, lakes, playing fields, playgrounds and ball fields. You must be a Westchester County resident to be admitted.
Saxon Woods Park
Saxon Woods Park, situated on 700 acres in White Plains, offers many different recreational facilities. The county’s largest swimming pool and a children’s aquatic splash playground are available, as well as an 18-hole golf course, a miniature golf course and picnic areas. In addition, the county’s only handicap-accessible playground is located in Saxon Woods. This park is part of a trail system popular with hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers, that connects with several other Westchester county parks. A county park pass is necessary only for swimming and group picnics.
Harbor Island Park
The Harbor Island Park is the largest park in the village of Mamaroneck. Located on the waterfront, it has 700 feet of salt water beach for swimming. Harbor Island also has 44 acres of land that includes a water spray ground, playground equipment, a pavilion, rest rooms and showers. A marina and boat launching area are available for boaters, as well as docks, fishing floats, ball fields, picnic tables and a tennis club. You do not need a park pass to get in.
- Harbor Island Park; Mamaroneck Avenue and Boston Post Road; Mamaroneck, NY 10543; 914-777-7784
- water play image by dah0404 from Fotolia.com