Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park - A Day Trip For the Whole Family

Nestled 40 miles north of the city, FDR State Parkdive. During the weekends, the pool can reach full
spans approximately 2 square miles. Despite itscapacity (3500 patrons), but during the early
medium size, this park is just large enough for full dayweekdays, the usual number ranges from 100-1000.
of activities. Whether it is a game of Disc golf or hikingThis may seem like a lot, but the size of the pool and
biking/running the trails, there seems to be somethingpool deck combined is more than enough to occupy
for everyone in the family to do. (Note: Some of theeveryone.
most peaceful locations in the park are nestled deep inThe pool has a concession stand that tends to be
the walking trails away from the picnic areas.)rather expensive so I would recommend bringing your
Summer Activitiesown food. There are benches and lots of grass for
During the warmer months, the park is full of travelerspatrons to settle down on and enjoy the day.
from lower New York, New York City in particular. AtLake, Boating and Fishing
times the park may feel crowded, but there alwaysFranklin D. Roosevelt State Park also offers rowboat
seems to be plenty of room for everyone. Visitingand pedal boat rentals for its Mohansic Lake. (Note:
during the off months and weekdays may be yourSwimming is not allowed.) If you would rather bring
best bet to fully appreciate the tranquility of the park.your own kayak, canoe or rowboat, there is a boat
Fall Activitieslaunch but a regional boating permit is required. Fishing
The park is also very popular in the fall due to theis permitted also, but a New York State Freshwater
various activities held there. Every year, in earlyFishing License is required.
October, the Support Connection Breast and OvarianThere is a little waterway that is just big enough for a
Cancer Walk is held and attended by people of allrowboat to fit through running off of Mohansic Lake
ages, sometimes including actress Glen Close. Usuallythat leads to Crom Pond. Only trees and wildlife can
within a week of the Support Connection Walk, thebe seen from Crom Pond so if you're up for the rather
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Walk is also held at FDR todifficult trip through the waterway, it's a nice place to
raise money to train guide dogs. One other big eventgo to get away from everything.
held in the fall is the Native American FestivalHiking Trails
(PowWow), which includes various activities to spreadWhether you are looking to walk the dog, go for a jog,
knowledge of Native American culture.or just enjoy the day, FDR's numerous walking trails
Winter Activitiesallow for several hours of exploration and relaxation.
While the park may not be the most exciting place toThe hiking trails are relatively flat, although some are
go in the winter, there are still some things to do. If themore challenging side trails for the experienced hiker.
lake is frozen enough, it is the perfect place to go iceThe trails range between easy paved trails to medium
skating and ice fishing. (Note: Skate and fish at yourdirt paths. Whichever trail you end up on, you are
own risk.) Also, the trails are ideal for cross-countrynever too far away from a familiar landmark or
skiing and the hills are great for sledding.pavilion.
PoolFood
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park's swimming facilitiesAfter a swim in the pool or a walk on the trails, many
are vast to say the least. The pool is open frompeople settle down to one of the eight picnic areas. As
10am-5:30pm on weekdays and from 10am-6:30pm onthe food is being cooked on the provided charcoal
weekends and the cost is $2 per person. Thegrills, many picnic areas have playground areas,
swimming section of the pool is divided into 8 sections,volleyball courts, soccer/baseball/softball fields and the
each one watched by a lifeguard ensuring the safetyoccasional basketball court. The grills are old to say the
of the patrons. (Note: Most of the time only 4 sectionsleast so I would recommend bringing your own
are open unless the number of patrons requires morecharcoal grill or an extra roll of tin foil.
to be opened.)There are two concession stands that are open during
The depth of the pool ranges from 1 foot to 5 & 1the summer months, although they tend to be rather
2 feet (excluding the diving section). There is also a lapexpensive compared to bringing your own food. Each
lane open from until noon. Additionally, there are 2picnic area has a complimentary restroom facility that
diving sections, each including a small and large divingis rather clean for a park. All in all, FDR State Park is a
board. There are many rules involving the diving boardfun and inexpensive way to spend a day with the
to prevent injuries (no flips, back dives, double jumps,family.
etc.) so the only things you can really do are jump and