BY MAITE ELIAS-NAVA
With the summer heat just starting to kick into full gear, now more than ever we’re tempted by the alluring call of the water. The pool and beach beckon, and to speed you on your way to the water’s edge, we’ve pulled together a list of some of Westchester’s favorite public swimming spots for the summer.
Many of the following destinations offer a discount for Westchester County park pass holders; they’re available on the county’s website.
This pool is only steps away from the Playland Amusement Park, and is open to anyone who visits—county resident or not. Pool rates are $6 for adults, $4 for children of ages five to 11, $3 for senior citizens (on weekdays), and children under the age of five swim free. If you are a park pass holder, child and adult rates come at discounted prices. Playland Pool opens for season on June 22 and stays open through Labor Day.
1 Playland Parkway,
Rye
(914) 813-7010
Only county residents are able to visit this beach, and in order to enter, one must have a county park pass or a New York State driver’s license with a valid Westchester address. The admission fee is $4 with a park pass and $10 without. Until June 17, the beach is only open on Saturday and Sunday, but starting June 22, it’s open Wednesday through Sunday. The park also offers picnic pavilions, boat launching, a catering hall, and a restaurant.
1 Pelham Rd.,
New Rochelle
(914) 813-6720
Saxon Woods Pool is the largest swimming pool in Westchester County and is open Monday through Sunday starting June 22. Near the pool you can also find an aquatic playground and a miniature golf course. If you’re a park pass holder, the cost to enter is $6 for adults and $4 for kids of ages five to 11. If you’re simply a Westchester resident without a park pass, the cost is $15 per person.
1800 Mamaroneck Ave.,
White Plains
(914) 995-4480
This beach is open to residents and non-residents. Until June 10, the beach is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Starting June 22, the beach will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 6:30 pm. The only cost is for parking—$5 with a park pass and $10 without.
1A Croton Point Ave.,
Croton-on-Hudson
(914) 862-5290
Right in the center of Mamaroneck’s Harbor Island Park, this beach is surrounded by greenery, playgrounds, a yacht shipyard, and a sprinkler park for kids. Parking is $6 on weekdays and $8 on weekends, and the beach fee is $6 for adults and $3 for children of ages six to 12. Admission for Kids under the age of six is free.
123 Mamaroneck Ave.,
Mamaroneck
(914) 777-7784
This fun pool is perfect for kids of all ages — there’s a spray playground, in-pool basketball and volleyball equipment, lap lanes, and a lazy river. In order to enter the park, one must be a Westchester county resident and pay a $5 parking fee. Park pass holders pay $8 for entry and non-holders pay $15. Starting June 22, the pool is open seven days a week from 11 am to 6:30 pm.
355 Midland Ave.,
Yonkers
(914) 231-2870
Willson’s Waves includes many water recreation areas—a wave pool, two water slides, a water playground, and a spray deck to cool off. From June 22 to Labor Day, the pool is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The entry cost for adults is $8 for park pass holders and $15 for non-holders. Parking is $5 for those with a pass and $10 for those without.
8 Bradford Rd.,
Mount Vernon
(914) 813-6990
Already open for the season on weekends, this beach is the perfect place to spend the day, as it’s conveniently located right by Rye Playland, the Playland pool, and delicious restaurants that overlook the water, like Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar. Beach rates are $4 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and children ages five to 11. Chair rentals, umbrella rentals, and lockers are also available for extra cost.
1 Playland Parkway,
Rye
(914) 813-7010
Located in New Rochelle, this beach includes a tented food court area, playground, picnic shelter, and a music bandshell. Visitors must have an Omnicard, New Rochelle’s Parks and Recreations identification card. Parking is free with a valid Park Passport ($40 per year for residents and $80 for non-residents), or $5-$10 per day for residents/non-residents.
1 Hudson Park Rd.,
New Rochelle
(914) 654-2087