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Parks and Recreation Announces Accessible Trail Project and Summer Program Updates

The Town of Putnam Valley Parks and Recreation Department continues to expand recreational opportunities, improve accessibility, and prepare for a busy summer season. Current efforts include pursuing grant funding for a new accessible trail system, advancing a forestry management initiative, and finalizing summer programs, camps, and community events.

Accessible Trail System Project

The department has formally submitted its first grant application to support the development of a new trail system at Town Park, with a decision expected in May.

The focus of the project is to create a trail designed using ADA and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) accessibility recommendations. While fully ADA compliant trails are rare due to natural terrain, the goal is to create a wheelchair accessible experience that allows more residents to enjoy the park’s natural features.

Plans include:

  • A new handicap accessible parking area at the end of South Street, behind the Union Field facility

  • A crushed stone trail extending approximately 100 yards to Oscawana Brook

  • An additional 75 yard stretch along the water’s edge

  • Scenic overlooks and rest areas along the route

  • Installation of appropriate safety barriers

The project will also include upgrades to existing trails throughout Town Park.

Forestry Management Project

The department is also working on a forestry management project for both Town Park and the Camp facility, with implementation anticipated to begin this fall.

This project is being developed in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and will provide several benefits, including:

  • Sustainable production and harvest of forest products, generating potential revenue for the Town

  • Improved recreational and educational opportunities

  • Maintenance and enhancement of existing trails

  • Long term protection and preservation of forestland

Summer Programs and Events

Planning is currently underway for the Town’s summer concert series, which will begin July 2 and continue every Thursday through the end of August, weather permitting. Most concerts will begin at 7 PM, with special events scheduled separately.

Sports and specialty camps have also been announced. This year’s offerings include:

  • Soccer

  • Volleyball

  • Musical Theatre

  • Tennis

  • Boys Basketball

  • Girls Basketball

  • Cheer

  • Baseball

  • Football

  • Taekwondo

Additional programs are updated regularly at www.pvpr.com.

Summer Day Camp Registration

Early bird registration for Summer Day Camp opens March 23 at 8 AM.

Due to health department and state capacity limits, enrollment typically fills very quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours. Once capacity is reached, a waiting list will be established.

Residents are encouraged to register early and visit the website for full details.

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Town Announces 2026 Plan to Reduce Harmful Algal Blooms at Lake Peekskill by EverBlue Lakes

Situation Review

Clearly, 2024 and 2025 were both challenging and disappointing seasons for water quality and recreational quality of Lake Peekskill. Harmful blue-green algae blooms persisted through both seasons despite our collective attempts at an integrated and comprehensive approach within the limits of what is permitted in the State of New York for lake management.

These efforts included:

  • The ongoing operation and management of the aeration system to prevent internal release of phosphorus from the sediments and deliver oxygen to the lake bottom to continue to naturally process organic “muck” at the bottom.
  • Significant watershed and stormwater improvements implemented by the Town of Putnam Valley.
  • An aggressive treatment program for reducing algae using hydrogen peroxide-based algaecides designed specifically for reducing harmful blue-green algae.

Why the Disappointing Results?

Despite thoughtful and diligent effort we were unable to maintain the lake is usable condition for the bulk of 2025. Unfortunately, there appear to be multiple factors at work making it difficult to control the blue-green algae blooms:

  • Early season hot weather leading to very elevated water temperatures tipped the balance in favor of blue-green algae early in the season.
  • Watershed loading – potentially including a septic input that has not been discovered and is in the process of remediation.
  • Less than expected sustainable impact from the peroxide algaecide treatments
  •  Continued restriction of the use of Biological Treatment in the lake by the NYDEC.

Game Plan for 2026

Early Season Peroxide Treatment

Studies have shown promising results for the use of peroxide-based algaecides earlier in the season to neutralize the precursor cells of blue-green algae that are dormant on the lake-bottom in the Spring. These precursors are called Akinetes which you can think of as blue green algae “eggs” or spores waiting for the right conditions to hatch.

We have worked hard to get the permits applications submitted as early as possible to provide the NYDEC with as much time as possible to process and approve the permit for the 2026 season.

Ultrasonic Algae Technology Plan for Lake Peekskill 2026

EverBlue Lakes has worked with Hydro BioSciences, developer of the technology, to formulate a plan for Lake Peekskill to optimize results in 2026 lake-wide and particularly at all three beach sites around the lake.

Lake Peekskill Ultrasonic Layout Recommendation 2026

The proposed layout is designed to deliver overlapping treatment zones from the three proposed units while also concentrating treatment around the three swimming beaches on the lake.

In addition, we are recommending a very innovative configuration for the unit deployed in the deepest part of the lake.  This unit will have 2 transducers powered by one solar raft.  One placed within 3 feet of the surface and a second transducer placed approximately 8 feet down.  This will double the treatment for this unit and penetrate the ultrasonic treatment deeper into the water column to better suppress the “deep water” algae factory in the lake.

Finally, inclusion of a grid powered unit in the North Beach area will deliver the same treatment benefit of the Solar Units at a substantially lower cost.  This is possible because of the close proximity of the power located in the Aeration Shed building in the North Beach area.

This unit is DC powered with very low energy  and is very safe for application and deployment in the lake. 

Under this plan, Lake Peekskill will get the benefit of four Ultrasonic Solar Units for the less than the lease cost of three Solar Utrasonic Units.

Ongoing Watershed Management Assessment and Implementation

EverBlue will work with the Town to complete an early season watershed assessment to identify additional opportunities to reduce nutrient runoff to the lake.

Biological Treatment Permitting

EverBlue has continued the effort to work with the NYDEC to establish a permit process that will enable the use of Biological Treatment Products in Lake Peekskill as soon as possible. 

Realistically, we expect that it will take most of 2026 to get this process completed with the hope of starting Biological Treatment in 2027 at the latest.

John Tucci
President
EverBlue Lakes
www.everbluelakes.com

Achieving more together – NYSEG Community Connecting Event

The NYSEG Team will be holding a Community Connection event to connect directly with customers.
This open-house style event is a great opportunity to learn more about HEAP and other energy assistance programs,
smart meters, energy efficiency programs, local project information and face-to-face help with any billing concerns.

Location: Carmel Town Hall
60 McAlpin Ave
Mahopac NY 10541
Tuesday February 17th
4 PM to 7 PM

 

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Progress Update on Town Infrastructure and FEMA Projects

The Town of Putnam Valley continues to advance multiple infrastructure and recovery projects overseen by J. Robert Folchetti & Associates (JRFA). These efforts focus on strengthening roads, culverts, bridges, and public facilities throughout the community while improving safety and long term resiliency.

FEMA Funded Projects

Several FEMA related improvements have already been completed:

  • Wiccopee Road Culvert – Construction complete

  • Bell Hollow Road Culvert – Construction complete

  • Town Hall Parking Lot Retaining Wall – Construction complete

  • Town Park beaches at Lake Peekskill and Oscawana Lake – Construction complete

Additional projects are currently in progress or moving through design and bidding phases:

Brook Falls Road Culvert
Construction is ongoing and expected to continue through June 2026. A temporary bridge is in use. Footings were delayed due to freezing conditions. Arched concrete culvert sections are scheduled for delivery the week of March 9, 2026. The new arched structure is anticipated to be installed by April 30, followed by paving, site restoration, and guiderail installation.

New Hill Road Culvert
Design is approximately 80 percent complete. The team is working through NYSDEC and ACOE approvals. Plans include a temporary bridge installation during construction.

Cimarron Road Culvert
Bids were received on January 12, 2026. Bid review and recommendation are underway, with an award estimated on February 18, 2026. Construction is expected to begin approximately 45 days after the award.

Horton Hollow Road Bridge
Design is approximately 20 percent complete. Current work includes the engineering report, property acquisition documentation, subsurface soil borings, tree removal, and NYSDEC and ACOE approvals.

The goal is to have all FEMA projects completed by December 31, 2026.

Additional Town Project

Oregon Corners Substation Demolition
Bids were received in December 2025. The bid award is estimated for February 18, 2026, with demolition scheduled to occur within 45 days of contract signing.

These projects represent continued investment in the Town’s infrastructure and long term reliability of critical public assets. Additional updates will be shared as work progresses.

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Roaring Brook Lake Dam Improvements Completed

The Roaring Brook Lake Dam Improvement Project was recently completed by Doyle Contracting Inc. A final walkthrough of the project site was completed by Town of Putnam Valley Supervisor Alison Jolicoeur, Town Engineer Todd W. Atkinson, P.E., WSP engineering staff and Roaring Brook Lake Manager Sam Lee on January 13, 2026. The dam improvement project was designed and constructed to bring the Roaring Brook Lake Dam into compliance with NYSDEC Dam Guidelines.

Water levels are maintained by the Dam Master throughout the winter season.

Help Support Local Families: February Diaper and Wipe Collection Drive

Our district wide community collection drive is back, and we’re asking for your support once again.

Throughout February, donation boxes will be placed at participating locations to collect high demand household essentials that are typically not covered by SNAP benefits. This month’s focus is on diapers and baby wipes, two items that are consistently needed by local families.

Donation boxes will be delivered and ready for collections beginning Monday. If your location has not received a box or experiences any issues, please contact the office directly for assistance.

Community members are encouraged to spread the word by sharing the event flyer through social media or local newsletters.

Additional Opportunity

The office has also received information about AARP community grant opportunities. Details are available in the attached flyer for those interested in learning more.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping make a difference for families in our community.

 

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Parks and Recreation Projects, Programs, and 2026 Updates

The Putnam Valley Parks and Recreation Department is actively working on several improvement projects while preparing programs and facilities for the upcoming year.

Park Improvement Projects

Two major projects are currently underway.

The first is the development of a comprehensive forest management plan for both the Town Park and camp properties. This plan focuses on the sustainable production and harvest of forest resources, expanded recreational and educational opportunities, improved trail maintenance, and the long term protection of forestland. These efforts help preserve the many benefits our natural spaces provide, including clean air, clean water, and carbon storage.

The second project will enhance accessibility and the overall trail experience at the Town Park. Plans include making the existing trail system ADA accessible, creating more clearly defined pathways, and adding rest areas and scenic viewpoints along Peekskill Hollow Creek. The department is pursuing funding for this work through the Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program.

Parks and Facilities

In addition to regular maintenance during the offseason, the department is currently scheduling facility use and reservations for 2026.

Camps and Programs

Summer sports camps and seasonal programming are now in development, with details to be posted on the department website as plans are finalized.

Registration for Summer Day Camp will open during the last week of March.

The department’s largest program, youth basketball, is currently in progress, and additional programs are updated regularly online.

Employment Opportunities

Parks and Recreation is always seeking team members to support its programs and services. Current opportunities include child care staff, camp counselors, bus drivers, and lifeguards.

For program updates, registrations, and job opportunities, visit pvpr.com.

Frank DiMarco
Parks and Recreation Director
Town of Putnam Valley

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Building Department Digitizes Decades of Records

The Putnam Valley Building Department has begun a major initiative to modernize and preserve decades of building records by converting them from paper files to digital format.

The department maintains building permits, surveys, zoning maps, architectural plans, and related documents dating back to the 1930s. Until recently, these records were available only in physical form and could be viewed exclusively in the office. Regular handling by staff, contractors, realtors, and homeowners also made the files vulnerable to wear and damage.

In September 2025, the department launched a comprehensive scanning project through a partnership with eBizDocs and ICC Community Development Solutions, supported by a New York State grant. The project includes the scanning, processing, and indexing of more than 300 boxes of materials, totaling approximately 500,000 standard documents and 100,000 large format files.

As of January 2026, the project is approximately 50 percent complete:

  • 150 boxes have been scanned and returned
  • 100 boxes have been fully indexed and are available digitally to staff
  • 160 additional boxes are currently being processed at the scanning facility

Once files are returned, staff must carefully review and verify each record to ensure accuracy. This step is time intensive, and the department appreciates the community’s patience as this work continues alongside daily operations.

When complete, all parcel files will be accessible digitally, with the goal of providing the public with convenient online access through a future portal.

This project represents an important step toward preserving the Town’s history while improving efficiency, accessibility, and service for residents.

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Keeping Putnam Valley Safe This Winter: Highway Department Update & Reminders

The Town of Putnam Valley Highway Department extends its thanks to the men and women of the department for their continued hard work and dedication over the past four years, especially during the recent stretch of cold and snowy weather. Their around the clock efforts help keep our roads safe and passable for residents all winter long.

As we move through the season, residents are reminded of several important winter safety guidelines:

  • No parking on town streets during the winter months or during snow emergencies, as parked vehicles make plowing difficult and prevent proper clearing of the roadway.
  • If your vehicle becomes stuck during a storm, please do not abandon it. Contact the Highway Department for assistance.
  • It is illegal to shovel or plow snow into the roadway, whether clearing your own driveway or using a snow removal service.
  • Clearing a few extra feet at the end of your driveway can help reduce the amount of snow pushed back in by passing plows.

Brining the Roads

Residents have asked about pre-storm brining of roadways. The Town’s current brine system is approximately 26 years old, outdated, and out of service, with repair costs estimated at $15,000. Replacing the system would cost roughly $225,000, and modern systems require significant water infrastructure, potentially adding another $750,000 for wells and facilities.

In addition to the high cost, the effectiveness of brining has diminished with today’s response methods. Highway crews now salt roads quickly once snow begins, often within the first hour, reducing the need for advance brining. Brine treatments also cost approximately $7,500 per application and can lose effectiveness if applied too far in advance of a storm.

There are also environmental and infrastructure concerns. Salt brine can accelerate vehicle corrosion, damage catch basins and concrete structures, and potentially affect nearby vegetation. In recent years, the Town has seen fewer basin repairs after reducing brining practices. Many neighboring highway departments have reached similar conclusions and have scaled back or discontinued brining.

Stay Connected

The Highway Department is available 24/7 for service requests and concerns. Residents are encouraged to contact the department directly rather than posting issues on social media, as direct calls allow for faster response.

Highway Office: 845-526-3333
Cell: 845-745-0795
Email: skeeler@putnamvalley.gov

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep Putnam Valley safe this winter.