By Megan Montemarano
April showers bring May flowers…and lots of opportunities to spend time outdoors, enjoying the blooming surroundings and abundance of community offerings across Westchester County, Connecticut and the Berkshires. Of the countless top-rated parks in the regions that we serve, here are just a few agent favorites to take advantage of this spring season.
Waveny Park—New Canaan, Conn.
Waveny Park marks the site of the acclaimed Waveny House, constructed in 1912 for American entrepreneur Lewis Lapham and his family. The town of New Canaan purchased this majestic mansion, which overlooks 300 acres of sweeping land, to create Waveny Park. The house now serves as a recreation and community center for local residents. Waveny Park boasts approximately 3.5 miles of jogging/walking trails, soccer, baseball and softball fields, as well as a picnic area and lots of open space for a relaxing day outside. Additional features include platform tennis courts, a park swimming facility, dog park and more.
“Waveny Park has stunning rose gardens, a fountain, stone pathways and a sweeping Great Lawn where everybody gathers to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, live bands and blankets sprawled out on the terrace of Waveny House—a building that means so much to this community. With trails all around, open spaces and nature, this park really is New Canaan’s crown jewel.” –Leslie Razook, New Canaan
Harbor Island Park—Mamaroneck, N.Y.
“Harbor Island Park is a beautiful recreational area set on the Long Island Sound with a marina, beach, sprinkler park, two kiddy parks, softball/baseball fields, fishing, soccer, kick ball— you name it. There is a large carnival in the summer here, and the park also serves as an incredible backdrop for the Fourth of July fireworks display. Harbor Island additionally hosts a summer camp, concerts, and a wine and beer festival in the fall, and is the launch site for Mamaroneck Chamber’s Wine Trail. It’s simply one of a kind.”—Jane Murray, Larchmont
Kayaking is also available at the park, and stand-up paddle boarding will open this summer.
Paws Place Dog Park—New Rochelle, N.Y.
“As a New Rochelle resident of over 37 years, one of the many aspects I love about the area is its many parks, even for our doggy friends. Paws Place is located in Ward Acres, a 62-acre park in town. For a nominal yearly fee of just $50, my dog Fido can run, play and socialize. There is a water fountain, trees, shade and benches where you can sit and watch your pooch have fun. The park is open from dawn to dusk. There is also a smaller fenced in area for smaller dogs.”—Gay Rosen, Larchmont
Flint Park—Larchmont, N.Y.
Flint Park is Larchmont’s largest park, and the site of most recreational activities including sports leagues, tennis, day camps and walking. On Thursdays in July, the town’s summer concert series is held here, and in October, the “Tour de Larchmont” bike ride begins and ends at the park.
“I take my grandchildren to Flint Park, where there are tons of other children and a variety of great play equipment. I love seeing all of my clients there with their children, and meeting their friends. It’s the kind of social outing that is so much fun…a win win.” –Willoughby Dobson, Larchmont
Vanderburgh (Turtle) Park—Larchmont, N.Y.
“Turtle Park is the quintessential neighborhood playground, where lifelong friends are made. On any day, you will find moms and nannies mingling together with their babies nodding off in their carriers and toddlers venturing from swings to slides. There is a field where picnic blankets can be spread and a ball can be thrown and kicked around.” –Lisa Collins, Larchmont
The park got its nickname from a stone turtle structure, which stands in the middle of a sand box, where donated toy trucks, shovels and pails are readily available for the spontaneous building project.
Kennedy Park—Lenox, Mass.
“Kennedy Park is the best. If you live in Lenox you can easily walk there. Bike, hike, ski, snow shoe, jog, horseback ride…the opportunities are endless.”—Dawn Farley, Great Barrington/Lenox
