HAVERSTRAW, NY — As 2026 unfolds, the Town of Haverstraw is poised to debut a host of recreational facilities that promise to transform the community’s outdoor experience. Town Supervisor Howard Phillips announced several key additions to its recreation offerings today on the Rockland News podcast, aiming to serve residents of all ages.
A major highlight is the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new skateboard and rollerblade park, a long-anticipated project that reflects a significant investment in youth recreation. Designed by experts in the industry, the park features thoughtful, rider-centric elements that are expected to draw heavy use. The town is actively recruiting instructors to help young residents learn to skate safely and confidently.
Adjacent to the skatepark, a completely revamped playground offers age-appropriate zones for toddlers, older children, and teens. Constructed with vibrant, coordinated colors and safety-first rubberized surfaces, the playground has passed rigorous engineering inspections to ensure top-tier safety standards. The town also installed new precast, handicap-accessible restroom facilities, further enhancing the park’s convenience for families.
Looking forward, Phillips noted the town’s ambition to develop an indoor recreation facility, something currently lacking in Haverstraw compared to neighboring towns.
Beyond the core park enhancements, Haverstraw is embracing the surging popularity of pickleball, with three new courts built at Bowline Point Park. Although an unfortunate vehicle accident delayed their official opening, repairs are underway and the courts are expected to open by early spring.
The recreation area continues to evolve with additional features including physical fitness stations around the perimeter path, two popular dog parks, and multi-purpose sports fields hosting football, soccer, lacrosse, and more. Youth leagues for baseball and softball are also thriving thanks to a synthetic turf field specifically dedicated to them.
Not to be overlooked, the Philip J. Rotella Memorial Golf Course remains a crown jewel in the town’s recreation portfolio. Rated the best municipal course in Rockland County and among the top five in New York, the course is undergoing continued improvements, including the replacement of three bridges. It draws a diverse mix of players, with a healthy 67% of visitors coming from outside the town.
Complementing the golf course is the popular Lynch’s on the Green, a restaurant and gathering spot praised for its service and community spirit.
In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Haverstraw plans to host a spectacular fireworks show on July 1, with a rain date set for July 2. The event is expected to feature live bands and serve as a patriotic community gathering.
Supervisor Phillips emphasized the importance of these projects in meeting residents’ growing interest in outdoor and family-friendly recreation. “This generation loves to be outside,” he said, noting that even real estate professionals inquire about the town’s recreational amenities as part of decisions made by prospective new residents of the Town of Haverstraw.