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Parks and Recreation Department Update August 2026

Programs – Concerts are going very well, we did reschedule one band so far, but have had great feedback. We’ve run approximately 30 programs to date and continue to increase and provide programming based on community input. We have recently posted 10 new programs ——- that information can be found on PVPR.com along with the registration process

Camp – We are in our final week of Day Camp as well as Sports Camps.  While we’ve had to make a few adjustments due to storms and Heat advisories, everything has gone well nonetheless.

Children Center – Children Center preparation is in full swing as we prepare to open along with school in 2 weeks. As a reminder, we are always looking for help here, so if you are looking for part-time work, please visit our website or call the office for more information.

Parks – The Bike Pad at the park has been re-paved and is currently being painted. Looking ahead, some projects currently on the radar include improvements to our trail systems, upgrading our front playing field, refurbishment of the volleyball courts, and possibly developing a permanent or mobile stage for concerts and other community events at the park.

We are also hoping to begin moving forward with our forestry project. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) actively encourages local governments to create these plans to guide the long-term health, safety, and care of local public trees. The project would allow us to improve the overall health and management of the forest, enhance portions of our existing trail systems, and potentially generate revenue for the Town in the process.

You can find a copy of out forestry management plan here: Putnam Valley Stewardship Plan1.pdf

Frank DiMarco
Town of Putnam Valley
Parks and Recreation Director

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Cooling Centers & Beating the Heat

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Parks and Recreation Department Update July 2026

Parks

Logging Project

The Town Planner and Headwater Forestry have updated the project schedule for bidding, forestry operations, and the required permitting process. At this time, the project remains on schedule, and we are expected to be on the agenda for the next Planning Board meeting.

Trail System

Unfortunately, we were not awarded the trail grant for which we applied. As previously discussed, I will move forward with developing a smaller-scale trail improvement project that can be completed in-house using available staff and resources.

Friendship Center Garden

The Friendship Center Garden is up and running and has received very positive feedback from many of our senior participants. While the recent weather has presented some challenges, the project continues to progress well.

Bike Pad

The bike pad is scheduled to be repaved within the next few weeks. Painting will follow shortly afterward, provided the project remains on schedule.

Departmental Updates

Recreation Programs

Our Summer Concert Series begins July 2 and will continue every Thursday through August 20. The complete concert schedule, along with information on all summer programs and events, is available at pvpr.com.

Children’s Center / Summer Camp

Summer camp is underway and is off to a positive start. Staff have done an excellent job adapting to the adjustments required due to the ongoing school construction, and operations have been running smoothly.

Frank DiMarco

Town of Putnam Valley

Parks and Recreation Director

 

 

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IMPORTANT – FIREWORKS UPDATE (7/1/26)

After consulting with several agencies, we have decided to delay the start time to 8:00 PM due to the current Heat Warnings.

To help everyone stay safe and comfortable, we will have water coolers available throughout the field & Sprinklers running at the far end of Johnson Field periodically for anyone who would like to cool off.

Please take precautions and stay hydrated, starting today. We encourage everyone to drink plenty of water before heading to the event. Shuttles will be running from the Elementary School, and we will still have our Local Food Trucks!

In addition to the revised festivities the VFW has graciously offered to be open with AC at 5:30 PM through the evening if anyone wants a place to cool off, chat with our Veterans, and celebrate the Fourth of July!

We look forward to celebrating with everyone. Stay cool, and we’ll see you tonight!

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Independence Day Celebration Thursday July 2nd

Join us for Fireworks, Live Music and more, Thursday July 2nd  at 7pm
at the Town Park 156 lake Oscawwana Lake Road, Putnam Valley New York.

Live music at 7 PM with Andrea and the Armenian rug riders.
Food by Serenas Hot Dogs, Octavios, Scottys Egg Rolls, and This Guy’s Fries.
9 PM Fireworks
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Latest News with Parks & Recreation

Board Notes
Parks

  • Forestry Project –For those who don’t know, we continue to work on a forestry Project for both the Town Park and the Camp facility –If everything goes right, the plan will start in the fall. Bids to go out in mid to late summer. As mentioned previously everything is done in cooperation with the DEC and their recommendations and should serve as a benefit to the town in several different ways including financially
  • Trail System and grant –Still waiting on response, we should hopefully hear something in the next few days actually. Should we not get the grant, I will work on a smaller scale trail improvement project in the park that can hopefully be done in house.
  • Senior Center Garden – the garden at the senior center has been completed. A special thanks to two local citizens for their tremendous contributions. Also, to the Town Supervisor and Parks and Recreation crew for their assistance and continued maintenance on the garden throughout the summer

The area currently known as “the bike pad” is slated to be repaved and painted in July. While it became an unintentional facility after removing the old hockey rink, it is highly used and in need of refurbishing.

 

Departmental

  • Programs – we are still running a full slate of programs in addition to summer camp and sports camp preparation. Check PVPR.com and our social media pages for updates
  • Concerts will begin on July 2nd along with our Independence Day celebration. I put a few flyers out on the table here with the schedule for the summer and it can also be found on the PVPR website.
  • Camp prep is going well and we are looking forward to a great season all around

 

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Picnic in the Park with Karaoke – Bring a dish to share with your family. All are welcome!

Come together in community and share in food, music and fun!

Saturday, June 13th 2-5 PM at the Leonard Wagner Memorial Park

156 Oscawana Lake Rd.  Putnam Valley, NY 10579

For Entertainment DJ Mark will host Karaoke for all ages – Listen, Dance, or Sing!

DJ Mark “The Crowd Pleaser” (Class Affair Inc.)

Has served the public as Disc Jockey, Karaoke Jockey, and Master of Ceremonies since 1982.

DJ Mark produces each event according to his client’s specifications and then by asking guests what they wish to hear or dance to…and playing it!

His biggest thrill is watching a crown having a good time enjoying the music.

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Turn your food scraps into chicken food with Cucumber Hill Farm!

Putnam County Residents Coalition Farmers Market  at Tompkins Corners Cultural Center Every Summer Friday starting May 29th from 3 – 6:30PM

Turn your food scraps into chicken food with Cucumber Hill Farm!

This program allows people who are unable to compost at home to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and incinerators.

What’s Allowed:

  • Fruit and Vegetable Scraps, cooked or raw (please remove stickers)
  • Bread and other grains
  • Eggs and eggshells (crush them first)
  • Cooked meat leftovers and bones
  • Dairy products

Please avoid:

  • Avocados
  • Yard waste (due to pests and herbicide)

Visit the Cucumber Hill Farm Table to drop off your scraps. Please store them in the fridge or freezer to avoid feeding chickens spoiled food.

Thank you for supporting local business while reducing organic waste!

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Summer in Putnam Valley: Camps, Concerts, and Park Improvements

Please visit the website PVPR.com for the most recent information on our current programs.

As expected, our day camp filled up extremely quick. Unfortunately, we are limited by state and local regulations, and can only take a maximum of 200 campers per day. We currently have approximately 70 children on the waiting list, but we are continuing to adjust and accommodate as much as we can.

Concerts will kick off on July 2nd with the Independence Day celebration and run every Thursday until the end of August

Our current list of Sports and Specialty summer Camps consists of Soccer, Volleyball, Musical Theatre, Tennis, Boys Basketball, Girls’ basketball, Cheer Camp, Baseball, Football and Taekwondo camps. These are 1 week mini camps that take place throughout the summer.

Parks:

We are continuing to work on a forestry Project for both the Town Park and the Camp facility –If everything goes right, the plan will start in the fall. As mentioned previously Everything is done in cooperation with the DEC and their recommendations and should serve as a benefit to the town in several different ways.
The grant award results for the trail system grant typically come out in May.
Our inhouse projects for the upcoming season include overhauling the bike pad in the park, as well as refurbishing the sand volleyball courts
We are also exploring options on a community garden. We are in the very early stages, but hope to have something started for this season.

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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.