East Hudson Valley News

Dutchess County Parks is set to open a new water "sprayground" at Wilcox Memorial Park in Milan, providing a novel way for visitors to cool off during the summer months. The inauguration of the facility will be marked with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, June 2nd at 11am. This event will form part of a day of family fun as the park hosts the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County 4-H program’s “A-Fair to Remember” event from 10am to 3:30pm.

County Executive Sue Serino expressed her enthusiasm for the new addition, stating, “Our new water sprayground is a great addition to our beautiful Wilcox Memorial Park in the Town of Milan and we are excited for people of all abilities to enjoy it throughout the summer." She further invited everyone to join in on June 2nd for the opening celebration and participate in various activities that are part of the 4H’s A-Fair to Remember event.

The newly completed 1,900-square-foot water sprayground features 27 water-spray and sprinkle elements including friendly characters and a water-table—all enclosed by a split-rail fence—for all ages and abilities. It is situated at the lake beachfront allowing families to enjoy a full day of summer fun. The sprayground is expected to be operational as Wilcox Park commences its summer beach season on May 30th. Once officially open, it will be available daily from 10am-6pm, weather permitting, through Labor Day weekend.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County’s 4-H program will host its “A-Fair to Remember” event alongside the ribbon cutting ceremony. The event will feature Dutchess County Fair-themed activities and attractions such as farm animals, music, arts and crafts, hands-on activities, shooting sports demonstrations, carnival games and more.

Parks Director Susanne O’Neil stated, “Dutchess County Parks along with the whole team at Public Works have been working hard to improve the lakefront at Wilcox Park. We are thrilled to have this new sprayground amenity at the waters’ edge and encourage everyone to join us as we cut the ribbon and celebrate its official opening on June 2nd.”

Wilcox Memorial Park offers numerous features including swimming and boating/fishing lakes, pavilions and camp sites, paddle- and row boats for rent, as well as an award-winning 27-hole disc golf course. The park also provides accessible features such as sand wheelchairs and an access ramp across the sand beach to the water’s edge for individuals with mobility challenges.

For more information about Wilcox Memorial Park, call 845-298-4603 or visit DutchessNY.gov/Parks.