The Hudson Valley summer heat is officially settling in, and these Rockland County beaches and pools are beckoning.
The county is equipped with a surprisingly rich roster of swim spots, leaving its residents with a number of nearby options for a summer cool down. Some are sun-laden lake beaches tucked away in sprawling state parks; others are public pools furnished with towering waterslides.
Here are your local options for a summertime plunge.
Rockland Lake State Park
Settled on the ridge of Hook Mountain, this state park overlooks the Hudson River and is home to a massive swimming pool complex equipped with diving boards, a spray playground and two water slides. The fun doesn’t end with the pool — the park is dotted with picnic tables, grills and a number of hiking trails, including one that wraps around the Rockland Lake.
The swimming pool will be accessible daily from June 19 until Sept. 21. It’s open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Parking is available in the park — fees are $10 per vehicle.
More information: parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/rockland-lake-state-park.
Lake Welch Beach
This sandy lake beach surrounded by striking woodland sits within Harriman State Park — a popular summer spot for hiking, fishing, and a freshwater plunge. A grassy picnic area set with tables and grills is stationed next to the beach, which is more than big enough for games, floppy umbrellas and all your family and friends.
While only currently accessible to picnickers, the beach will be open for swimming daily from June 22 to Sept. 7. A vehicle fee of $10 is required on weekends and holidays until June 20. From June 21 to Sept. 1, the $10 fee will be applied daily.
More information: parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/lake-welch-beach-harriman-state-park#about.
Tallman Beach and Pool Club
Next up is one of the few places you can take in stellar views of the Hudson River from the comfort of a pool. The Tallman Beach and Pool Club keeps the food and drinks flowing while guests swim laps, lounge in beach chairs and enjoy the occasional live performance.
Check out the line-up for the club’s summer concert series here.
The pool is open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Daily admission fees on weekdays are $15 for kids and $20 for adults. On weekends and holidays fees jump to $20 and $25.
More information: tallmanpool.com.
Bowline Point Park
Bowline Point Park’s Olympic-sized swimming complex — rigged with a diving well, two waterslides and a toddler pool — has become a summer staple for outdoor fun in Haverstraw. Visitors can also work up a sweat at the park’s tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts, or stroll down the fishing pier for an up-close view of the Hudson.
The pool will be open for the summer season between June 20 and Sept. 7. It will be accessible between noon and 7 p.m. on weekdays, and between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Daily admission fees are $6 for adults and $5 for children aged 3 to 7.
More information: townofhaverstraw.org/parks.html.
Germonds Pool
Germonds Pool is officially open for the season. Winding waterslides, a wade pool and a huge lap pool make the popular aquatic complex a fun summer spot for visitors of all ages. It’s situated in Clarkstown within the picturesque Germonds Park, which is also home to a miniature golf course and ballfields open to the public.
The pool will be open until Sept. 1, throughout the worst of the summer heat. Hours are noon to 7:45 p.m. daily. Daily admission fees are $10 per person — cash will not be accepted as payment.
More information: clarkstown.gov/recreation/aquatics.
Lake Nanuet Pool
Transformed from an actual lake into a swimming complex, this pool in Clarkstown is sandwiched between grassy areas, picnicking spots and shaded woodland. The pool’s shallow end features a sprinkler park for the little ones and a playground is located near the facility.
The complex is only accessible to Clarkstown residents — daily rates are $10 per person. It will officially open on June 28.
More information: clarkstown.gov/recreation/parks.
Congers Pool
Yet another Clarkstown summer hotspot, this scenic pool is settled within Congers Lake Memorial Park. It’s the smallest of the three Clarkstown pools, but it’s a short walk from Congers Lake, picnic spots and a handful of basketball, tennis and pickleball courts.
This pool is also only accessible to Clarkstown residents. It has officially opened for the season and will be up and running until Sept. 1. Hours are noon to 6:45 p.m. and daily admission fees are $10.
More information: clarkstown.gov/recreation/aquatics.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Where to swim in Rockland County this summer? Here’s 7 prime spots
Reporting by Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rockland/Westchester Journal News | USA TODAY Network
