The River Pool at Beacon.
What fun can you get into today?
– Janet Straightarrow
Hudson Valley: Connecting with the River
Summer in the Hudson Valley! To our family, one of the best parts of this season is outdoor swimming. As Janet and Steve Fitzgerald from Pine Plains say, “With our grandkids in school full-time, our visits to the park and beach have to wait until summertime now, but it’s a place to bring out the kid in us all.” Here are some favorite local swimming spots right on the Hudson River and at area lakes.
Kingston Point Beach
“One of my favorite Hudson Valley memories was the discovery of Kingston Point Beach, which happens to be a city park in Kingston,” shares Rebecca Martin, Hudson Valley resident and musician. “I was alone the very first time, and the beach was empty on my first visit. This sweet little ‘cove’ felt like a private oasis within walking distance of Kingston’s city limits. The air was clear, the commuter train ran periodically along the east side of the Hudson, the expansive Kingston/Rhinecliff Bridge and remnants of Kingston’s brickmaking past somehow were held and made practical in the midst of the big sky and shoreline. It’s a special place that everyone should not only visit, but volunteer to keep it clean and protected. It is one of the few Hudson River swimming spots left!”
Kingston Point Beach also has a playground a short walk from the sand. I recommend wearing swim socks or sandals to protect your feet from the pointy water chestnuts. Rotary Park at Kingston Point is just across the street, and offers more views of the Hudson, birdwatching and nature trails.
Kingston Point Beach is located at 53 Delaware Avenue in Kingston. For more information, including swimming hours, call (845) 331-1682 or visit www.kingston-ny.gov.