Winter Fun at Bowdoin Park
Sledding Returns and Skating Coming Soon

Poughkeepsie… Are you ready for some winter fun?    Head over to Dutchess County’s Bowdoin Park where sledding has returned on the big hill.   Back by popular demand and with cooperation from Mother Nature, residents and visitors can enjoy this perennial favorite winter activity during park hours of 9am to 5pm.    Sledding is available on the main hill where the band shell is located.    Hay bale barricades provide safe stopping conditions and sledders can warm up with hot chocolate or coffee available at vending machine located at Pavilion 5 at the top of the hill.

Even more winter fun is coming soon to Bowdoin Park, with the addition of a new portable skating rink next to Pavilion 5.    The new 76 x 80 foot rink is expected to be open soon, possibly this weekend, now that cold temperatures will allow for a solid freeze to create a smooth skating surface.    Skaters will need to provide their own skates.   The rink will be available as weather conditions permit during all park hours (9am to 5pm daily).

“We are thrilled to have these family fun activities available this winter at Bowdoin Park,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro.   “Mother Nature’s snow storm timing could not have better, providing us with perfect conditions for sledding and skating.   Come on over to Bowdoin Park this weekend and join us for some winter fun!”.

Rules for sledding:

• Sled at your own risk
• Sled ONLY on designated hill area within orange fencing.
• Metal-edge or metal runner sleds, wooden toboggans, snowboards, skis and oversized tubes are prohibited.
• Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of the Parks staff.
• Use return lane to return to the hilltop – Do Not Walk Up Main Sledding Hill.

Rules for skating:

• Skate at your own risk
• Ice skating can be hazardous – accidents happen.
• Children under 7 need to be accompanied by an adult.
• No hockey sticks, food, beverages or roughhousing allowed.

Recent snow has also provided the opportunity for other winter activities at Dutchess County Parks – snowshoeing and cross country skiing on the Dutchess Rail Trail and the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

Bowdoin Park is located at 85 Sheafe Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

For more information about Dutchess County Parks, visit Dutchess County Government’s website