July 2010

Around Town

Recreation Officials Say Lots of
Summer Fun is Available

There are loads of fun things to do this summer, recreation chiefs of the three Mamaroneck/Larchmont municipalities told the Local Summit meeting June 15th, chaired by Keith Yizar.at the Nautilus Diner.

But there were some requests for more. Speakers representing biking and kayaking said local governments could do more to make these activities accessible. And then there were audience members who felt the welter of municipal usage requirements and fees for programs were confusing and off-putting.

Jill Fisher, Recreation Superintendent of the Town of Mamaroneck said that the town is particularly proud of summer activities for families. The star attraction is the Hommocks pool where there is a “Bubble Babies” program for children 6 months to 3 years of age, swim lessons for children and adults, a special scuba program and water exercise especially helpful for the elderly. Other offerings include a weekly concert series at Hommocks Memorial Park beginning Monday, July 12th at 7:00 p.m., and a variety of tennis, golf, camp, fitness and cultural/educational offerings.

Rosanne Saracino, Recreation Superintendent of the Village of Mamaroneck, said that Harbor Island beach opens for swimming Saturday, June 19th.. Water quality within the boom area is excellent,” she said. A concert and movie program at Harbor Island starts Sunday, August 8th at 7 p.m., and will continue on the three remaining Sundays of the month. There is a soccer clinic for boys and girls from grades K – 8 the week of August 23rd, a junior sailing program in July and August and basic kayak skill training for middle schoolers in August. In addition, the Village is sponsoring day camps, a softball league, recreational soccer and fitness activities.

On September 11th, as the Summer winds down, the Village will sponsor its 7th Annual Family Campout (and sleep-over) at Harbor Island. Families bring their tents, sleeping bags, food and their kids. The Village will supply campfires, smores, hot chocolate, coffee and tea, gas grills and picnic tables.

David Hellerstein, founder of the Kayakers Alliance of Larchmont and Mamaroneck, said his group has close to 200 members. He said he notices more kayak roof racks on cars in town and a growing number of kayakers in the local bays and inlets. He said that while kayaking requires some training, it need not be expensive. He himself started out “with a used clunker.”

He said that while the local waters are well suited to kayaking, “it’s hard to get into the water.” Present access is pretty well limited to Dog Beach, at the end of Beach Ave. in Larchmont, where there is no nearby parking; Harbor Island, where there is parking, but where the Village has raised its fee from $8 last year to $20 currently; and Glen Island in New Rochelle, where there is parking and a launching fee of $4.

He said that in the best of all worlds, he would like kayakers to be able to launch at any local road that ends at the water. But he said there is an ongoing resistance based on property owners’ claim that “they own the water.” Other parts of the country also are trying to deal with this, he said, and he hopes future regional or national steps will lead to more democratic water access.

Pearson Constantino, a representative of the 1500-member Westchester Cycle Club, said that this area is excellent for recreational biking. It has few large hills and many streets are wide and lightly trafficked. He urged the use of a biking helmet and a rear bike light for safety. The Cycle Club can provide approved bike routes for cyclists wanting to do more than bike in town.

For summer event literature and more information: Rec. Dept., Town of Mamaroneck, 381-7865; Rec. Dept., Mamaroneck Village, 777-7767; Rec. Dept., Larchmont, 834-1919; Kayak Alliance of Larchmont and Mamaroneck 833-2726; Westchester Cycle Club, 721-6018.

 

 

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