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Meet THE STAFF

Meet THE STAFF

Sandy Washburn

Director of Parks & Recreation

swashburn@lagrangeny.gov

Patricia Donohue

Recreation Assistant

pdonohue@lagrangeny.gov

Traci Meyer

Marketing Assistant

tmeyer@lagrangeny.gov

Hunter Brill

Groundskeeper

Patrick Donovan

Senior Groundskeeper

Corey Garay

Senior Groundskeeper

Sam St. George

Groundskeeper

TJ Mullins

Foreman

Recreation Advisory Board

Kelly Robin, Liaison

Donna Bolner

Paul Doherty

Jeff Feldman

Michael Polasek

Melissa Wagner

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THE COUNTDOWN TO MUDDY HANDS IS ON! Join us for o

THE COUNTDOWN TO MUDDY HANDS IS ON!

Join us for our Muddy Hands Festival—a growing, annual celebration of conservation, ecology, and nature play! Taking place on I Love My Park Day, this Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1–4 pm at Freedom Park (212 Skidmore Rd), this family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to inspire curiosity and connect with the community.

Beatrix Ferrand Garden Association returns to the event and will be hosting a planting activity... yes, real dirt to get your hands dirty! Boy Scouts Troop #50 also returns with an introduction to camping, including tents, and compass use!

Don't miss this FREE event with hands-on learning, adventure play, nature discovery, ecology, conservation, catch and release fishing activity, exhibits, kids activities, and more... fun for all ages! Enjoy live music with The Bob Stump Band featuring Americana & Bluegrass and grab a bite to eat at The Dog House food truck.

Our mission is simple yet impactful: to bring families outdoors and foster connections with nature through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions. To do that, we've invited passionate organizations and people to help us create a memorable day for all including:

The Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs, Inc., Mid Hudson Trout Unlimited, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Two By Two Animal Haven, Wild & Bright LLC, Beatrix Farrand Garden Association, FlowerRoots&STEM, LaGrange CAC, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health, NY-NJ Trail Conference, Boy Scouts, Dutchess Land Conservancy, Dutchess County Soil & Water Conservation District and more!

***We love our furry friends but no pets, no smoking or vaping allowed anywhere in the park.***
NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD FOR THIS EVENT SO DO NOT BE SCAMMED BY FACEBOOK IF YOU SEE SOMEONE TRYING TO SELL TICKETS. THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

🌸✨ The Hummingbirds Are Coming! ✨🌸 Ever

🌸✨ The Hummingbirds Are Coming! ✨🌸

Every spring, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds—the tiniest birds in New York—make an incredible journey all the way from Central America to Dutchess County… and they're arriving NOW! 👀

These little travelers usually show up between mid-April and early May, and this week is PRIME TIME to put out your hummingbird feeders to welcome them! In fact, last year one was spotted as early as April 20th in Chappaqua!

Fun facts:
-Only Ruby-throated Hummingbirds live in our area.
-The males arrive first, scouting the best spots.
-They love red flowers and sugar-water feeders!
-Spot one? Share a photo—we’d love to see it!

Feeder tip: Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water (no red dye needed!) and hang your feeder in a shady spot.

To learn more and see an updated migration map, check out Hummingbird Central here: https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com.

Let’s roll out the red carpet (or red flowers) for these magical migrants. Happy hummingbird watching, LaGrange!

🎟️ NEW FREEDOM LAKE PASS HOLDERS – IMPORTAN

🎟️ NEW FREEDOM LAKE PASS HOLDERS – IMPORTANT INFO! 🎟️

If you’re a new Freedom Lake season pass holder for 2025, your key tags will be ready for pick-up TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 29 through Thursday, May 22 at the Recreation Office (downstairs at LaGrange Town Hall, 120 Stringham Road), Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Please plan to pick up your key tags before the lake opens for weekend on Saturday, May 24 — this will help us keep lines moving quickly when the season kicks off!

🔹 Returning pass holders: If you already had a key tag from a previous season, the key tag is re-activated with the purchase of your 2025 pass — no new tag needed!

🔹 Lost your tag? Replacement tags are $5 and must be purchased through the Recreation Office.

Questions? We're happy to help! Call the Recreation Office at 845-452-1972.
#lagparksandrec #freedomlake #seasonpasses #summeriscoming

MUDDY HANDS FESTIVAL IS COMING TO FREEDOM PARK! J

MUDDY HANDS FESTIVAL IS COMING TO FREEDOM PARK!

Join us for our Muddy Hands Festival—a growing, annual celebration of conservation, ecology, and nature play! Taking place on I Love My Park Day, Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1–4 pm at Freedom Park (212 Skidmore Rd), this family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to inspire curiosity and connect with the community.

🐟The Federation of Dutchess County Fish & Game Clubs is partnering with us again for the popular catch and release fishing activity behind the main pavilion! Try fly fish casting and see how flies are made with Mid Hudson Trout Unlimited!🎣

Don't miss this FREE event with hands-on learning, adventure play, nature discovery, ecology, conservation, catch and release fishing activity, exhibits, kids activities, and more... fun for all ages! Enjoy live music with The Bob Stump Band featuring Americana & Bluegrass and grab a bite to eat at The Dog House food truck.

Our mission is simple yet impactful: to bring families outdoors and foster connections with nature through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions. To do that, we've invited passionate organizations and people to help us create a memorable day for all including:

The Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs, Inc., Mid Hudson Trout Unlimited, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Two By Two Animal Haven, Wild & Bright LLC, Beatrix Farrand Garden Association, FlowerRoots&STEM, LaGrange CAC, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health, NY-NJ Trail Conference, Boy Scouts, Dutchess Land Conservancy, Dutchess County Soil & Water Conservation District and more!

***We love our furry friends but no pets, no smoking or vaping allowed anywhere in the park.***
NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD FOR THIS EVENT SO DO NOT BE SCAMMED BY FACEBOOK IF YOU SEE SOMEONE TRYING TO SELL TICKETS. THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

*** ATTENTION NEW FREEDOM LAKE SEASON PASS HOLDERS

*** ATTENTION NEW FREEDOM LAKE SEASON PASS HOLDERS ***

If you are a NEW Freedom Lake season pass holder for the 2025 season, your key tags will be available for pick up in the Recreation Office, downstairs at LaGrange Town Hall, 120 Stringham Road, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm beginning Tuesday, 4/29 through Thursday, 5/22. Please make every effort to pick up key tags before the lake opens for weekends on Saturday, 5/24. Help us help you by shortening your wait at the lake!

If you have had a tag in prior seasons, your tag was reactivated following purchase of your 2025 season pass. You will NOT receive a new key tag. Lost key tag fee is $5 per key tag. Replacement tags must be purchased through the Recreation Office.

Please contact the Recreation Office at 845-452-1972 with any questions.
#lagparksandrec #freedomlake #seasonpasses #summeriscoming

COME GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY IN THE PARK! Join us fo

COME GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY IN THE PARK!

Join us for our Muddy Hands Festival—a growing, annual celebration of conservation, ecology, and nature play! Taking place on I Love My Park Day, Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1–4 pm at Freedom Park (212 Skidmore Rd), this family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to inspire curiosity and connect with the community.

Today's spotlight is on @The Bob Stump Band, playing live music and The Dog House food truck serving up good eats throughout the day!

Enjoy live music with The Bob Stump Band featuring Americana & Bluegrass from 1-4pm. The band loves playing fairs parks & festivals. Virtuoso playing, story telling and showmanship set them apart. Folks enjoy the spontanaity of their shows, large or small, and we know you'll love hearing them!

The Dog House food truck, is always a hit at our events, with delicious dogs and more served up hot for you and yours from 1-4pm!

Don't miss this FREE event with hands-on learning, adventure play, nature discovery, ecology, conservation, catch and release fishing activity, exhibits, kids activities, and more... fun for all ages! Our mission is simple yet impactful: to bring families outdoors and foster connections with nature through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions. To do that, we've invited passionate organizations and people to help us create a memorable day for all including:

Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs, Inc., Mid Hudson Trout Unlimited, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Two By Two Animal Haven, Wild & Bright LLC, Beatrix Farrand Garden Association, FlowerRoots&STEM, LaGrange CAC, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health, NY-NJ Trail Conference, Boy Scouts, Dutchess Land Conservancy, Dutchess County Soil & Water Conservation District and more!

***We love our furry friends but no pets, no smoking or vaping allowed anywhere in the park.***
NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD FOR THIS EVENT SO DO NOT BE SCAMMED BY FACEBOOK IF YOU SEE SOMEONE TRYING TO SELL TICKETS. THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

🎣 REEL IN THE FUN THIS WEEKEND! 🐟 Grab your

🎣 REEL IN THE FUN THIS WEEKEND! 🐟

Grab your gear (or borrow some from us!) and head to Overlook Park (36 Knights Place) for two awesome days of fishing—thanks to the Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs Inc., NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and Mid Hudson Trout Unlimited!

Saturday, April 26 | VETERANS FISHING DAY
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Veterans, this day is all yours! Come enjoy a peaceful morning by the water, complete with free food and drinks courtesy of the Federation.
Registration is required—call Anthony Pittore (914-755-9667) or Kevin Haight (914-474-7740) to sign up.

Sunday, April 27 | FAMILY FISHING DAY
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Calling all families! Spend a day outside making memories. The NYSDEC will provide poles and bait, and the Federation will have complimentary food and drinks for all.
No registration needed—just show up and fish!

Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying it out for the first time, there’s something for everyone. Come cast your line and enjoy the great outdoors with us! 🎣
#lagparksandrec #fishingweekend #overlookpark #veteransfishingday #familyfishingday

🐰Hoppy News Alert!🌷 Drumroll, please... The

🐰Hoppy News Alert!🌷

Drumroll, please... The winner of our Hop Into Spring in the Parks random drawing is the egg-stra special Kimbelry LaCrose Lattinville @kimlacroce! 🎉 CONGRATULATIONS!

Kimberly was randomly chosen among all those who participated in our online activities and those who bounced those participating Bingo cards into our hand. She's officially our lucky bunny!

Kimberly, you're prize is ready and waiting for you at the Recreation Office (downstairs in LaGrange Town Hall, 120 Stringham Road). Hop on over before 4pm Wednesday (M-F, 8:30am–4pm) to claim your goodies! If not picked up by then, we’ll draw a new name faster than a bunny in a tulip patch!

Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun—stay tuned for more exciting adventures in our parks! 💚
#lagparksandrec #hopintospring #randomdrawing #congratulations #winnerwinner

🌳 Happy Arbor Day from LaGrange Parks & Recreat

🌳 Happy Arbor Day from LaGrange Parks & Recreation! 🌿

Trees: they give us shade, fresh air, homes for critters… and the perfect backdrop for a weekend picnic. Today, we’re celebrating these leafy legends that make our parks so beautiful!

Plant a tree. Hug a tree. High-five a tree (gently). Or just take a stroll and appreciate the tall, green giants around you.

📸 TREE-MENDOUS CHALLENGE 📸
Snap a photo with your favorite tree in a LaGrange park and tag us using #lagrangelovestrees. We’ll pick a few of our favorites to share next week! 😉

Let’s root for our trees and keep LaGrange green and growing! 🌱
#laparksandrec #arborday #getoutdoors #plantatree #hugatree

🐰 LAST CALL FOR PARTICIPATION BINGO CARDS! 🌷

🐰 LAST CALL FOR PARTICIPATION BINGO CARDS! 🌷

A big THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our Hop Into Spring adventures in the parks last week! From bunny visits and scavenger hunts to chalk art and story strolls, it was a joy seeing our community come together to celebrate the season.

Don’t forget—your deadline to enter your Participation Bingo prize drawing is TODAY, 4/24 at 4pm! Here's what you need to do:
✔️ Fill out your Spring Activity Bingo Card — each activity you completed counts as one entry into a random drawing!
📩 Submit it by email to recreation@lagrangeny.gov or drop it off at the Recreation Office, 120 Stringham Rd (M–F, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM)

Need a card?
📍 Pick one up at the Freedom Park kiosk or
⬇️ Download it here: https://www.lagrangeny.gov/.../04/Spring-Hop-Bingo-Card.pdf

Thanks for another unfortgettable Spring Break in LaGrange Parks! 🌞
#lagparksandrec #hopintospring #springbreakfun

✨ SENIORS! There's still time to register! ✨

✨ SENIORS! There's still time to register! ✨

Sponsored by MId-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, registration is open for this fun-filled afternoon featuring:
- Music
- Delicious buffet prepared by Simply Gourmet: berry salad, bruschetta chicken, grilled faroe island salmon, mediterranean pasta salad, broccoli salad, mixed grilled vegetables, blueberry lemon bars, soft drinks, coffee, and tea!
- Cash bar
- Raffles and giveaways

This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors while having a great time! Here are the details:

When: Wednesday, May 14th, 11:30-1:30pm
Where: Simply Gourmet, 399 Manchester Rd, Poughkeepsie (Route 55)
Price: FREE, age 55+

Registration is required at www.lagrangeparksandrec.com or in person in the Recreation Office at LaGrange Town Hall, 120 Stringham Road, during regular business hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30-4pm.

Space is limited! Don’t wait—secure your spot today. We can’t wait to see you there!
#lagparksandrec #lagrangeseniors #weloveourseniors

🎣 CAST YOUR LINE THIS WEEKEND DURING THESE FREE

🎣 CAST YOUR LINE THIS WEEKEND DURING THESE FREE FISHING EVENTS! 🐟

Join us for a fantastic weekend of fishing at Overlook Park (36 Knights Place), thanks to the Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs Inc, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and Mid Hudson Trout Unlimited!

🎖️ Saturday, 4/26 | VETERAN'S FISHING DAY (9 AM–1 PM)
Veterans, this one’s for you! Enjoy a relaxing day of fishing with complimentary food and drinks provided by the Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs Inc.
Registration is required—sign up by calling Anthony Pittore: 914-755-9667 or Kevin Haight: 914-474-7740

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sunday, 4/27 | FAMILY FISHING DAY (9 AM–1 PM)
A fun-filled fishing day for families of all ages! NYSDEC will provide poles and bait, and the Federation will offer complimentary food and drinks.
No registration needed—just show up and fish!

We hope to see you there! 🐟
#lagparksandrec #getoutdoors #fishon #veterans #family

LaGrange Rotary's Annual Trash Bash Returns This S

LaGrange Rotary's Annual Trash Bash Returns This Saturday!

Sponsored by LaGrange, NY Sunrise Rotary along with Royal Carting Service Co & Welsh Sanitation and @Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency, a great Earth Day weekend activity to join your friends, neighbors, and co-workers in sprucing up the community by picking up litter on LaGrange roads. Groups and individuals welcome!

Saturday, 4/26, participants will meet at LaGrange Town Hall and receive road assignments as well as bags, vests, and pickers to be returned by noon at Town Hall where LaGrange, NY Sunrise Rotary will provide hot dogs, chips, and water.

A wonderful team building event or way to earn community service hours!
Register at www.lagrangeparksandrec.com or email the Recreation Office at recreation@lagrangeny.gov. Please contact the Recreation Office at 845-452-1972 with any questions.
#lagparksandrec #trashbash #earthday #getoutdoors

✋ COME GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY IN THE PARK! 🌳 J

✋ COME GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY IN THE PARK! 🌳

Join us for our Muddy Hands Festival—a growing, annual celebration of conservation, ecology, and nature play! Taking place on I Love My Park Day, Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1–4 pm at Freedom Park (212 Skidmore Rd), this family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to inspire curiosity and connect with the community.

Enjoy live music with The Bob Stump Band, The Dog House food truck, hands-on learning, adventure play, nature discovery, ecology, conservation, catch and release fishing activity, exhibits, kids activities, and more... fun for all ages! Watch for spotlights leading up to the event!

Our mission is simple yet impactful: to bring families outdoors and foster connections with nature through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions. To do that, we've invited passionate organizations and people to help us create a memorable day for all.

***We love our furry friends but no pets, no smoking or vaping allowed anywhere in the park.***

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD FOR THIS EVENT SO DO NOT BE SCAMMED BY FACEBOOK IF YOU SEE SOMEONE TRYING TO SELL TICKETS. THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

If you have questions, please reach out to the Recreation Office at 845-452-1972 or recreation@lagrangeny.gov. We look forward to seeing you in the park!
#lagparksandrec #muddyhands #getoutdoors #freedompark

🚨 We're Hiring Gate Staff! 🚨 LaGrange Parks

🚨 We're Hiring Gate Staff! 🚨

LaGrange Parks & Recreation is accepting applications for Freedom Lake Gate Staff positions—but don’t wait! Applications are due by Wednesday, April 30th.

🌟 Must be 16 years or older to apply

📄 Download the application here: https://www.lagrangeny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Town-Employment-Application-2024.pdf

📧 Applications must be completed in pen and can be emailed to recreation@lagrangeny.gov or dropped off in person at the Recreation Office downstairs at LaGrange Town Hall, 120 Stringham Rd, LaGrangeville, M–F, 8:30am–4pm.

Spend your summer in the park, meet great people, and help keep Freedom Lake running smoothly. We can’t wait to meet you!

#lagparksandrec #freedomlake #summerjob #nowhiring

🚨NON-RESIDENT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!🚨 Su

🚨NON-RESIDENT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!🚨

Summer Programs are officially open to eligible non-residents starting TODAY — and registration remains open for LaGrange residents as well!☀️ Register now at www.lagrangeparksandrec.com.

We’re offering something for everyone this summer:
🏀 Basketball Camp at Stringham Park – 3 weekly sessions
🏊 Red Cross Swim Lessons at Freedom Lake – 3 two-week sessions
🏆 Freedom Lake Rockers Swim Team – 7 weeks of summer swim fun

Don’t forget:
1) You’ll need an active account with all eligible household members listed
2) Proof of residency for 2025 is required (utility bill or property tax bill)
3) Allow 48 hours for residency verification if you haven’t completed it yet

Questions? Need help registering? Give us a call at 845-452-1972 — we’re here for you!

Eligible non-residents include Beekman, East Fishkill, Pleasant Valley, Poughkeepsie, Union Vale, and Wappinger.

Let the countdown to summer begin! 🌞
#lagparksandrec #summerprograms #welovesunshine #freedomlake #stringhampark

🌍 Happy Earth Day! 🌿 Today, we celebrate th

🌍 Happy Earth Day! 🌿

Today, we celebrate the incredible planet we call home. Whether you're planting a tree, picking up litter, biking instead of driving, or simply taking a walk to appreciate nature—every small act makes a big impact. Let’s work together to protect our parks, preserve our natural spaces, and create a cleaner, greener future for generations to come. 💚
#lagparksandrec #earthday #protectourearth

✨ SENIORS! Have you registered for our Spring La

✨ SENIORS! Have you registered for our Spring LaGrange Social? ✨

When: Wednesday, May 14th, 11:30-1:30pm
Where: Simply Gourmet, 399 Manchester Rd, Poughkeepsie (Route 55)
Price: FREE, age 55+

Registration is required at www.lagrangeparksandrec.com or in person in the Recreation Office at LaGrange Town Hall, 120 Stringham Road, during regular business hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30-4pm.

Sponsored by MId-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, registration is open for this fun-filled afternoon featuring:
- Music
- Delicious buffet prepared by Simply Gourmet: berry salad, bruschetta chicken, grilled faroe island salmon, mediterranean pasta salad, broccoli salad, mixed grilled vegetables, blueberry lemon bars, soft drinks, coffee, and tea!
- Cash bar
- Raffles and giveaways

This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors while having a great time!

Space is limited! Don’t wait—secure your spot today. We can’t wait to see you there!
#lagparksandrec #lagrangeseniors #weloveourseniors

🐰 Thank You for Hopping Into Spring with Us! 🌷

A big THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our Hop Into Spring adventures in the parks this past week! From bunny visits and scavenger hunts to chalk art and story strolls, it was a joy seeing our community come together to celebrate the season.

Don’t forget—today's the deadline to enter your Participation Bingo prize drawing!
✔️ Fill out your Spring Activity Bingo Card — each activity you completed counts as one entry into a random drawing!
📩 Submit it by email to recreation@lagrangeny.gov or drop it off at the Recreation Office, 120 Stringham Rd (M–F, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM)

Need a card?
📍 Pick one up at the Freedom Park kiosk or
⬇️ Download it here: https://www.lagrangeny.gov/.../04/Spring-Hop-Bingo-Card.pdf

Thanks for making Spring Break unforgettable in LaGrange Parks! 🌞
#lagparksandrec #hopintospring #springbreakfun

Happy Easter from all of us at LaGrange Parks & Re

Happy Easter from all of us at LaGrange Parks & Recreation.

Wishing you a joyful day filled with sunshine, sweet treats, and special moments with loved ones. May your baskets be full and your hearts even more full!

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