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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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☀ Freedom Lake opens for weekends THIS Saturday,

☀ Freedom Lake opens for weekends THIS Saturday, 5/24, through Monday, 5/26, 11am-7pm (weather permitting)!😎

Know before you go... Freedom Lake is open to season pass holders and LaGrange residents only for day passes. Pass holders ages 18+ are allowed up to 6 paying guests who you must sign in at the gate house at the time of guest entry and stay with guests during their time at the lake.

You must be 16 years of age or older to enter Freedom Lake wihtout an adult.

For day passes (LaGrange residents only), a photo ID AND proof of residency is required by either a property tax bill or a utility bill. ***PLEASE NOTE: A driver's license is NOT proof of residency!***

*No pets, no alcohol, no smoking or vaping, no glass.*
For more information about Freedom Lake, visit our website at www.lagrangeny.gov/parks-rec and select "Freedom Park" then "Freedom Lake at Freedom Park" from the "Discover Parks" link in the menu.

Freedom Lake will open daily from 11am-7pm on Thursday, 6/19 (weather permitting). We can't wait to see you at the lake!

☀ ATTENTION 2025 FREEDOM LAKE SEASON PASS HOLDER

☀ ATTENTION 2025 FREEDOM LAKE SEASON PASS HOLDERS ☀

Freedom Lake opens THIS weekend! If you've purchased your 2025 Freedom Lake Season Pass and haven't yet picked up your key tags, please make every effort to do so before Thursday, 5/22. Help us help you by shortening your wait at the lake! Key tags are available for pick up in the Recreation Office, downstairs at LaGrange Town Hall, 120 Stringham Road, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

If you have had a key tag in prior seasons, your key 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 or recreation@lagrangeny.gov with any questions.

Our FREE Music in the Parks concert series is back

Our FREE Music in the Parks concert series is back at Freedom Park and the lineup is 🔥!

Today, we proudly salute the brave men and women w

Today, we proudly salute the brave men and women who serve—and have served—in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Your courage, commitment, and sacrifice protect the freedoms we hold dear every day. Let us all take a moment today to honor and recognize the dedication of our Armed Forces. 🇺🇸

🌊💦 May is National Water Safety Month! 💦🌊

Did you know that swim lessons are one of the most effective ways to keep kids safe around water? Whether your child is just getting their feet wet or ready to perfect their strokes, our swim lessons help build confidence, skills, and a lifelong love of the water — all while keeping safety top of mind. 🛟

✅ Red Cross Certified instructors
✅ Small class sizes
✅ All skill levels welcome, ages 3-18

Let’s make a splash safely this summer! 💙
Register today at www.lagrangeparksandrec.comand give your child the skills they need to stay safe and have fun in and around the water.

Tonight's full Flower Moon will be blooming brilli

Tonight's full Flower Moon will be blooming brilliant!

The May full moon gets its name from the abundance of wildflowers that spring into life at this time of year, and it promises a stunning view for skywatchers around the world.

According to space.com, the Flower Moon will be 100% illuminated at 12:56pm this afternoon at which point Earth's closest celestial companion will be well below the horizon for skywatchers across the U.S. This sets the stage for a dramatic lunar entry when the full moon rises over the southeastern horizon around 8:30pm local time. If you miss the moon tonight, don't worry; it will still appear full to the casual stargazer for another night or two.

Of course, the Flower Moon won't be the only thing to see in the night sky tonight. The moon will rise with the stars of the constellation Libra on its left-hand side, while the bright stars Spica and Arcturus will glitter prominently above. Jupiter and Mars will also be visible in the western sky around moonrise, and Venus and Saturn will be seen rising in the east as the moon sets on the morning of May 13.

It's a beautiful day that hopefully leads to a clear night of skygazing!

🌷 Happy Mother’s Day! 🌷 Today we celebrat

🌷 Happy Mother’s Day! 🌷

Today we celebrate the strength, love, and endless care of mothers, grandmothers, stepmoms, mother figures, and all the amazing women who help shape our lives. 💖

Whether you're spending the day with family, remembering a loved one, or simply soaking in some well-deserved "me time," we hope your day is filled with love, joy, and appreciation.

To all the moms in our community—thank you for everything you do. You are truly cherished!
#lagparksandrec #happymothersday #lovemom

Our parks aren’t just for people—they’re res

Our parks aren’t just for people—they’re rest stops, homes, and highways for thousands of migratory birds! On this World Migratory Bird Day, we celebrate the birds we share our spaces with—and how we can protect them together.

This year’s World Migratory Bird Day theme is “Shared Spaces”. Here’s 5 ways to make your backyard bird-friendly:
* Plant native shrubs and trees
* Avoid pesticides
* Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night
* Add a bird bath or water source
* Keep feeders clean and windows bird-safe

Who’s Flying Overhead?
Dutchess County, NY lies within the Atlantic Flyway—a major migratory route—making it a fantastic place to see a variety of migratory birds in spring and fall. Here’s a list of migratory birds commonly seen in Dutchess County during migration seasons, especially in our parks and backyards:

🐦 Songbirds
These are often the most colorful and active migrants you’ll see:
Baltimore Oriole – bright orange and black; loves flowering trees
Eastern Bluebird – New York’s state bird, blue with rusty chest
Warbler – many colored warblers migrate through in May
Scarlet Tanager – males are brilliant red with black wings
American Goldfinch – yellow and black, often at feeders

🦅 Birds of Prey
These pass through in fall and spring, often seen over ridgelines:
Red-tailed Hawk – big bird with a rusty red tail
Osprey – flies over water looking for fish
Bald Eagle – white head, huge wings—our national bird

🦆 Waterfowl & Waders
Seen around wetlands, ponds, and rivers (like the Hudson River or Wappinger Creek):
Mallard Duck – males have green heads and say “quack!”
Great Blue Heron – tall, gray-blue bird with long legs
Canada Goose – big, honking birds in a V-shape flying overhead

🦉 Nocturnal Migrants
Some owls move through during migration:
Barred Owl – says “Who cooks for you?”
Eastern Screech Owl – small and tricky to find, sounds like a spooky horse

BECOME A JUNIOR BIRDWATCHER!
Click the link below for a downloadable Junior Birdwatcher checklist. Grab a grown up, look up, and listen closely. Check 5 of the boxes and be a Junior Birdwatcher!
https://www.lagrangeny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Junior-Birdwatcher-Checklist.pdf

Get ready for a summer of sand, stars, and cinemat

Get ready for a summer of sand, stars, and cinematic fun at Freedom Lake! Our FREE Beach Bash & Movies On the Beach series is your ticket to unforgettable family nights under the sky.

Come early for fun on the beach starting at 6:30 PM with a live DJ, exciting games, giveaways, and more! Then cozy up with your chairs and blankets for movie magic on the big screen once the sun sets (movie starts approx. 8:30–8:45 PM depending on darkness). Please note: This is a non-swimming event.

🎥 Summer Lineup:
📅 Friday, July 18 – Over The Hedge
📝 Registration opens to LaGrange residents Saturday, 7/5 at 9 AM
🌍 Non-residents* register Saturday, 7/12 at 9 AM

📅 Friday, August 1 – Moana 2
📝 LaGrange resident registration Saturday, 7/19 at 9 AM
🌍 Non-resident registration Saturday, 7/26 at 9 AM

📅 Friday, August 15 – Wish
📝 LaGrange resident registration Saturday, 8/2 at 9 AM
🌍 Non-resident registration Saturday, 8/9 at 9 AM

Registration is required at www.lagrangeparksandrec.com. You must have an approved account to register. Proof of residency is required for new/updated accounts. Driver’s licenses are not accepted. Allow 48 hours for account/proof of residency approvals. Registrants are allowed up to 6 guests per household (no residency required for guests). Need help? Call us at 845-452-1972 M–F, 8:30am–4pm.

*No pets, alcohol, glass, smoking, or vaping in the park. Please follow town code.*

Be sure to save the dates and don't be scammed by Facebook accounts claiming to have tickets to sell for these events. The events are FREE, there are no tickets, and registration is through www.lagrangeparksandrec.com only! ☀

💦 DIVE INTO SUMMER FUN with the FREEDOM LAKE RO

💦 DIVE INTO SUMMER FUN with the FREEDOM LAKE ROCKERS! 🌞

Ready to make a splash this summer? If you can swim 25 yards and love having fun in the sun—this team is calling YOUR name!

Join the 2025 Freedom Lake Rockers Swim Team for six awesome weeks of swimming, sunshine, friendships, and fierce but friendly competition.

💥 Open to boys & girls ages 6–18
💥 Beginners to advanced swimmers welcome!
💥 Weekday practices
💥 Season runs June 20 – August 2
💥 Swim meets, team spirit, and epic memories!
💥 Home & away meets with other local rec teams
💥 Team socials, fun all summer long!

Whether you’re learning the strokes or shaving seconds off your time, the Rockers are where the summer magic happens! Register online at www.lagrangeparksandrec.com.

🏀 LaGrange Basketball Camp is BACK! 🏀 Get r

🏀 LaGrange Basketball Camp is BACK! 🏀

Get ready for high-energy hooping fun outdoors at Stringham Park this summer! Whether you're just starting out or already a mini MVP, our camp is all about skills, fun, and friends!

✅ Individualized instruction from Head Coach Don Markoe
✅ Fun competitions & daily games
✅ Awesome camp T-shirts
✅ Make new friends and level up your game

Choose from 3 one-week sessions!
Group A: Grades 1–3 | 9am–12pm
Group B: Grades 4–8 | 9am–2pm (bring lunch!)

Camp is outdoors at beautiful Stringham Park and open to LaGrange residents and eligible non-residents (from the the following border towns: Beekman, East Fishkill, Pleasant Valley, Poughkeepsie, Union Vale, and Wappinger). Proof of residency required.

Spaces fill fast—don’t miss your shot! Find out more and register at www.lagrangeparksandrec.com!

🌊 May is Water Safety Month! 🛟 Drowning is s

🌊 May is Water Safety Month! 🛟
Drowning is silent and fast — but prevention starts with education.

This summer, give your child the confidence and skills they need with Red Cross Certified Swim Lessons at Freedom Lake! Our experienced instructors create a safe, fun learning environment where kids build strong swim skills and water smarts. With an emphasis on drowning prevention and water safety, courses are available for a variety of ages and skill levels.

Ages: 3-18
2 week sessions: 6/30-7/11 (lesson on 7/4), 7/14-7/25, 7/28-8/8
Times vary by level, see www.lagrangeparksandrec.com for schedule.
Location: Freedom Lake,212 Skidmore Rd, Pleasant Valley
Register now at www.lagrangeparksandrec.com!

Let’s make water safety a priority — because every swimmer deserves a safe summer.

🌟 Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! 🍎 Today,

🌟 Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! 🍎

Today, we celebrate the incredible educators who shape minds, spark curiosity, and make a lasting difference every single day.

We’re especially grateful for the amazing teachers—and future teachers—who are part of our summer staff! Many of our counselors bring their classroom experience, energy, and heart to our programs, helping make each summer unforgettable for our campers.

To all the teachers in our community and beyond: thank you for all you do, in and out of the classroom.

🚨SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION IS OPEN!🚨 Summ

🚨SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION IS OPEN!🚨

Summer is right around the corner and our summer programs are officially open to residents and eligible non-residents* 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

MUDDY HANDS FESTIVAL IS TOMORROW IN FREEDOM PARK!

MUDDY HANDS FESTIVAL IS TOMORROW IN 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, tomorrow, 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.

Hudson Hatchet, Inc is joining the fun with their mobile axe throwing (ages 10+). And don't miss the Clays For K9 Cancer Sporting Dog Retrieval Demonstration in front of the bandshell at 2:00pm!

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 (except for those in exhibits), 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!

GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY AT MUDDY HANDS FESTIVAL! Joi

GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY AT MUDDY HANDS FESTIVAL!

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.

Dutchess Land Conservancy will be there with various kid friendly crafts and activities on the theme of learning about beavers, New York States mammal! FlowerRoots&STEM will have an interactive table with a “who’s scat is that”, a seed dispersal lesson with a DIY carryout seed ball, and microscope inspection!

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!

MUDDY HANDS IS COMING TO FREEDOM PARK THIS SATURDA

MUDDY HANDS IS COMING TO FREEDOM PARK THIS SATURDAY!

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.

Two By Two Animal Haven will be at the event featuring their Wild World of Animals wildlife conservation show at 1:30pm and 3:15pm! They'll also have animals on exhibit between shows. Wild & Bright LLC joins us on Saturday with her fabulous reptiles!

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 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

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