City still has plans for summer recreation program

Posted 5/28/20

The City of Newburgh is planning recreation activities for the summer season that will comply with social distancing recommendations. Certain traditional City-sponsored community programs are …

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City still has plans for summer recreation program

Posted

The City of Newburgh is planning recreation activities for the summer season that will comply with social distancing recommendations. Certain traditional City-sponsored community programs are canceled and City staff are working on alternatives to accommodate the need for socially distant activities. 

The City is exploring a Slow Streets/Play Streets model to help people safely engage in recreational activities outdoors. In addition, the City is also engaging with local restaurants in an effort to accommodate increased outdoor seating, should specific roads end up being closed to vehicular traffic.  

The City is expediting the closing of all streets through Downing Park to vehicles including Carpenter Avenue, Haible Way, and Mayor Joan Shapiro Drive. These efforts are being done in order to provide safe space for walking, running, biking and rollerblading. Additional City-wide activities being explored include outdoor exercise classes, socially distanced entertainment, and family-friendly events, including drive-in movies for everyone including people who do not have cars. These projects are planned to launch incrementally and will align with Governor Cuomo’s phased re-opening of the Mid-Hudson region. 

Businesses, including restaurants, interested in using non-traditional outdoor spaces this summer as part of their re-opening plans should reach out to the Department of Planning and Development at 845-569-9400.

Downing Park is open to the public, along with neighborhood parks such as Xavier Lunan Park, Audrey Carey Park, Tyrone Crabb Park, Hasbrouck Park, the Bluff, Crystal Lake, Snake Hill, and the Consolidated Iron site which offers a waterfront trail from Washington Street to Ward Brothers Park. The tennis courts on South Street also remain open. 

In addition, the Washington Street Boat Launch is open. Day passes can be purchased from the on-site kiosk using a credit or debit card and season passes are available from the City Clerk’s Office by phone at 845-569-7311. Shoreline fishing on the Hudson is permitted as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.

City-run spring/summer soccer, basketball, and camp programs are cancelled. All recreational sporting fields are also closed as well as playground equipment throughout the City with the exception of the water features at Audrey Carey Park which will open in June. 

The Skate Park at Delano Hitch is closed and the hoop systems at basketball courts have been temporarily removed. The Aquatic Center, including the pool, is also closed to the public at this time. The fields at Delano Hitch Stadium will be renovated during the period of closure and it is especially important that these areas not be frequented.   

Reimbursements are available to people who have made payments for seasonal recreation activities. Reimbursements can be obtained through the Recreation Department via phone or email only. Reimbursements will be issued in the form of a check that is mailed to the payor’s address on record. Contact Maritza Wilson at 845-565-3230 or mwilson@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov.

The Child Care Council of Orange County can help people find reliable and legal local childcare providers that will meet the needs of families. Staff can generate a list of licensed providers using information including desired location and child’s date of birth. The organization’s staff will provide a list of referrals, guidance on payment assistance, parent resources, and more. The Child Care Council can be reached at 845-294-4012 or through the organization’s website at www.childcarecounciloc.org. Scholarship opportunities may be available and details can be found on the organization’s website. People who are facing payment hardships can call the organization’s low income subsidy line at 845-615-5452 to learn if they qualify for payment assistance.

Announcements can be found on the City of Newburgh’s COVID-19 webpage at www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/coronavirus and also on the City’s social media platforms