Friends of Westchester County Parks Announces Study to Determine Economic Benefits of County’s Parks
July 6, 2011 Intuitively everyone knows that parks enrich our communities and have a positive impact on our lives. The question no one seems to be able to answer is: What is the value of the economic benefits that parks provide?
Howard Arden of Armonk, is an Executive Board member and Treasurer of The Friends Of Westchester County Parks. The Friends have commissioned a major economic impact study which will show the financial benefits generated by the County’s Parks.
PROS Consulting of Indianapolis was chosen by competitive bid. The results of the study will be relevant to North Castle said Arden. With three County Parks within our borders, Wampus Pond, Cranberry Lake, and Washington’s Head Quarters, North Castle will directly benefit from this independent economic study. “The study will be a valuable tool for evaluating not only County Parks but all Parklands and Open Space”.
In this difficult financial environment it is important to recognize that Parks have a direct economic value as well as enhancing our quality of life.
The Friends of Westchester County Parks is a non-profit organization and all funds raised are used for the sole benefit of Westchester Parks.
MRGP Protects Key Land Parcel 5.2 Acre Wildlife Corridor is Contiguous to the Gorge
June 13, 2011 In March, the Mianus River Gorge Preserve (MRGP) completed a bargain sale for a 5.2 acre lot on Mianus River Road in Bedford, NY that is contiguous with other MRGP property. The approved building lot runs along the ridge top that stretches from St. Mary’s Church Road south to East Middle Patent Road.
This site protects uplands that are the headwaters of Piping Brook, a tributary of the Mianus River that flows into the Bargh Reservoir, a source of drinking water for 130,000 people in southern NY and CT.
The property is also an important wildlife corridor for many large animal species, including rare bobcats. It is a connector to a 40-acre MRGP parcel to the north and another 100-acre one to the south. If this parcel had been developed, this narrow corridor would have been destroyed, severely impacting local wildlife populations.
By protecting this very visible ridge top, MRGP is also protecting the view from Mianus River Road and East Middle Patent Road as well as helping to preserve the rural character of the Middle Patent area of North Castle.
The Staff and Trustees of the MRGP would like to thank all of the neighbors for their efforts to rally support for this project as well as donate funds that made the project possible. Donors included private donations, the MRGP Land Fund, and The Nature Conservancy.
Armonk is a Destination Spot for Cyclists
By Michelle Boyle July 7, 2009
Over the holiday weekend I was reminded of how popular downtown Armonk is for bike riders. Cyclists from around the county were out and about riding through the hills of North Castle and beyond.
In recent years, as an avid cyclist easily putting in over 100 miles a week, I’ve seen and heard my share of cycling accidents. We were reminded of the dangers by the recent death of Lorraine Valentini, who in 2005 had a paralyzing accident riding over broken glass in Armonk. Riding requires an unbelievable amount of focus on the road—let your mind wonder and potential problems are more likely to occur. Focus separates the good riders from the bad.
There is also the speed and endurance of the great riders (just watch pro cyclists during the Tour de France on letour.fr/indexus.html) but focus helps safety, and as your mother always told you, safety first.
In Northern Westchester as elsewhere, potential dangers include potholes, glass, cars, pedestrians, other riders and the natural terrain of our roads.
I urge all drivers to review rules of sharing the road under the national Share the Roadsafely.org All cyclists have stories as victims of careless or drivers lacking knowledge: passing on a blind corner, passing too close or a driver passing in order to make a right turn right in front of a rider. In this circumstance there is nowhere for the cyclist to go, and they could end up on the pavement. Drivers please show patience when near cyclists, pass with caution and give ample room between your car and the cyclist.
And cyclist, follow the rules of the road, you know them or check out bicyclesafe.com: wear a helmet, ride with the traffic and stop at all stop signs and traffic lights. Bikers are to ride one abreast in traffic.
Most importantly, be courteous to one another.
Finally, drivers beware of many cyclists that are clipped into their pedals and therefore the reaction time to stop doesn’t happen instantly. Plus we have no protection; it’s just the bike, the road and us. Comments?
_____________
1. The first annual Great Rubber Duck Race was presented May 9, 2009 by the Armonk Rotary Club & North Castle Land Trust. 2. (L top R) Nora and Noelle hold up the ducks under suction power. 3. (L to R) Sisters, Siobhan, 10 in fourth grade, and Nora, 4 in kindergarten, helped sell ducks for the race. 4. First place prize of $500 went to the fasted duck purchased by Shari Wez.
5. Austen Zane holds up the grand duck in celebration of winning a prize.
6. The winning duck is captured by Armonk Rotary Club member, Howard Arden, with the help of Daniel Sodoti and Michael Gagliardi, 7th graders from Armonk Boy Scout Troop 94.
Winter Trails for Hiking and Snow Shoeing
Dec. 28, 2011 There are a variety of places to hike in North Castle and its neighboring towns. Unfortunately, hiking may be more challenging than usual due to recent storms--be careful of big trees that were knocked onto the hiking trails, and require traversing around. Clean up has yet to reach many of the areas. However, it is our opinion that the following hiking places are worth the effort:
--The Westmoreland Sanctuary is located off of Chestnut Ridge Road in Armonk. This privately owned preserve consists of 625 acres and 8 miles of trails. --The Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve borders both North Castle and New Castle. The property is owned by The Nature Conservancy and consists of 247 acres and 6.5 miles of trails. The preserve can be reached from Oregon Road in Armonk or Bretton Ridge Road in New Castle.
--The Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary is located off Chestnut Ridge Road in the towns of North Castle and Bedford. This property is also owned by The Nature Conservancy. It consists of 363 acres and more than 5 miles of challenging trails.
--The Cranberry Lake Preserve is located off of Route 22 in North White Plains. This Westchester County park consists of 190 acres and 3 miles of trails. Cranberry Lake has been affected by the county's recent budget cuts which will end the county funded programming, but the trails are to remain open.
--The Betsy Sluder Nature Preserve is a gem in Armonk that is tucked off of Old Route 22. Owned by the Town of North Castle, this preserve consists of almost 100 acres with trails and a serene sitting area overlooking a pond.
North Castle Parks and Playgrounds
Armonk is lush with parks including those listed below.
North Castle Community Park, 205 Business Park Dr., Armonk. Facilities include track, platform tennis, tennis courts, soccer & baseball fields, playground & picnic pavilion.
John A. Lombardi Park, 85 Cox Ave. Armonk. Facilities include baseball fields, tennis courts, playground, picnic pavilion & basketball courts.
Wampus Pond County Park on Route 128. Facilities: Winter skating, boating, fishing, picnicking. Fees: Weekend rentals of boats: Hourly - $5.00 & Daily - $25.00.
Winkler Park, Greenwich Banksville Rd. Facilities include tennis courts, basketball court, playground & gazebo. Cat Rocks Park.
Whippoorwill Park, hiking trails.
Wampus Brook Park, Maple Ave. Facilities include gazebo bandstand, walking paths and benches.
Nichols Preserve, hiking trails.
Betsy SluderNature Preserve, located off Old Route 22, hiking trail. Eugene & Agnes Meyer Nature Preserve, Oregon Road hiking trails.
Johnson Tract, wooded area off North Greenwich Road.
Playgrounds are located in Lombardi Parkand Business Park.
Nearby are hiking trails includeCranberry Lake off Route 22 in North White Plains and Westmoreland Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road, Bedford Corners.
Nearby Mianus River Gorge Wildlife Refuse-Mianus River Rd., Bedford, Hiking.
No Fish Today
July 25, 2009
This Saturday, as most Saturdays this summer, was a fine day for this family's fishing outing on Wampus Pond. Upon disembarkment from the little rented row boat, Madre said, "Nada, nothing." Although the attendee said that morning someone had caught a 9" bass with the most favored bait of plastic worms and frogs. The leanto wall was lined with photos of fishermen with their trophy catches. The scene just off Route 128 was very surreal. The shoreline was filled with picnickers while the county employee played the flute. Boats are available for a discounted rental fee with a county park pass, more information available at www.westchestergov.com .
Lombardi Park Playground
Click image for available recreational acitivities at Armonk's Wampus Pond. One of Westchester County's parks, recreation & conservation properties located on Route 128.
Recreation
Recreational opportunities in the area and throughout Westchester include
hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, bird watching, and photography. These activities contribute
to the high quality of leisure life that North Castle residents enjoy. In
addition, these activities provide economic gain for our communities, supporting businesses that cater to
outdoor enthusiasts such as outdoor equipment suppliers and boating rentals. Source: North Castle Biodiversity Plan, by Danielle T. LaBruna, M.A. and Michael W. Klemens, Ph.D., Metropolitan Conservation Alliance Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, Michael W. Klemens, LLC
Running
By Nick Olivo
Armonk is a very conducive environment for running. For running on the road, most locations in Armonk are perfectly safe for runners. Both Windmill and Whippoorwill are ideal running locations due to the low flow of traffic and scenic environment. There are also two public 400 meter tracks in Armonk, for those who wish to run certain distances or time themselves. For runners who enjoy running on more rugged terrain, see our hiking section for off-road paths suitable for cross country running. High School This track is the most sophisticated and high-tech track that Armonk has to offer, but it is often crowded, especially if the track team is practicing. IBM This track is far less developed than the six lane rubber track at the High School, but is rarely occupied by more than a few runners. This dirt track is located at IBM Park and it goes around the soccer field that is on your left as you enter the parking lot.
Pond near quarry of Cranberry Lake Preserve, North White Plains, Courtesy of Geo.meetup.com
Babcock Preserve is about seven miles south of Banksville, in Greenwich, CT.
Babcock Preserve mountain biking trails are for easy to intermediate level bikers.
Recreation
Mountain Biking
By Nick Olivo Babcock Preserve
Babcock Preserve is a relatively small public outdoor recreational park that permits mountain biking. The six mile long trail is considered to be for easy to intermediate level bikers. This does not mean, however, that an intermediate level biker can conquer all of the challenges that Babcock has to offer. Babcock has many steep or rocky sections of the trail that can be avoided by flat alternative paths, which makes it ideal for groups with bikers of varying abilities. Pros: Quiet location, double track to aid less experienced riders, easy to find. Cons: Narrow paths at certain locations, thorn bushes, many bugs (during summer), does not offer challenges to experienced riders. Location: Babcock Preserve is located on Bedford Banksville Road. To get there from Banksville, simply continue south down Bedford-Banksville Road (becomes North St. once you enter Connecticut) for about seven miles, and it will be on your right, immediately after Andrews Road.
Westmoreland Sanctuary hiking trails are located in Bedford Corners.
Hiking
By Nick Olivo West Moreland Sanctuary
With over seven miles of trails, West Moreland Sanctuary is ideal for runners and walkers who enjoy variety. There are dozens of different trails to be explored, and plenty of lakes and cliffs to be explored. Biking and Dog walking are forbidden in this park. Trails open from 9am – 5pm. Location: West Moreland Sanctuary is located on Chestnut Ridge Road, which is a left off of Route 22 about two miles past the High School if you are heading toward Mount Kisco. It is about one mile down the road on the right hand side.
Graham Hills Park in Pleasantville has multiple mountain bike trails.
Graham Hills Park
Graham Hills Park is a large, 431 acre, park that is traversed multiple mountain bike paths and trails, most of which loop back to the parking lot. A detailed map of Graham Hills can be found on site and in the PARKS section of www.westchestergov.com. Graham Hills is geared toward more experienced riders, and has very steep sections filled with various obstacles such as logs and jumps. Pros: Large beautiful park, multiple paths, challenging terrain. Cons: Hard to navigate at times, many steep uphill climbs. Location: Graham Hills Park is located on Route 117, near Pleasantville. To get there from Armonk, head south on Route 22 and make a right on Route 120 (Kings Street). Continue on Kings Street for about two miles until you come to Bear Ridge Road (left). Follow Bear Ridge into the village of Pleasantville. Continue through Pleasantville, following signs for Route 117. Once on Route 117, Graham Hills will be on your left, and the sign for the park is large and easily noticeable.
Hiking
Meyer Preserve
With over six miles of different trails, the Seven Springs area has a lot to offer the average hiker or runner wishing to enjoy nature while getting some exercise. There are many rare plants and animals found in this area, which makes this preserve an important destination for botanical study groups and scientists. Enjoy these beautiful trails while you can, because much of the surrounding land was recently bought by Donald Trump, who wishes to create a luxury housing complex on the Seven Springs land. Location: The Meyer preserve is located on Oregon Trail Road, off of
Byram Lake Road. There are two entrances to the hiking paths from the
road. One is marked by a sign on the right side of the road, while the
other is at the dead end where Oregon Trail ends.
Mianus River Gorge is worth the trip to Bedford.
Mianus River Gorge
Tucked away in the oldest part of Bedford, Mianus River Gorge is over 750 acres of untouched woodland that is waiting to be explored. However, though the preserve is so large, there is only 2.5 miles worth of trails, which leaves some nature enthusiasts unsatisfied. This preserve is open only to hiking, so runners are out of luck here. Location: The Mianus River is located in Bedford. The best way to get
there is to take Hickory Kingdom, off of Bedford Banksville Road, and
continue until you have reached St. Mary’s Church. Take a right at the
church and follow St. Mary’s Road until you reach Mianus River Road, at
which you turn left. The park will be on your right.
