NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Glen Island Park has been reopened to Westchester County residents.
The decision comes one year after the park was turned into a drive-thru testing site by New York State, as first reported by Talk of the Sound.
At the time, New Rochelle was misleadingly claimed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to be the “epicenter” of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Within days, it was apparent the virus was far more widespread than initially believed and had been in the country long before the first case was diagnosed in New Rochelle.
“Glen Island was the first mobile testing site in the State and allowed us to conduct a robust testing program,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “Today, we’re happy to announce it has reopened to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, just in time for spring. This is great news for residents of New Rochelle, Pelham and all other County residents who frequent the park.”
Glen Island remains a COVID-19 testing center with new traffic and security patterns in place. At this time there is no parking fee, but space is limited to 300 vehicles. Residency will be checked before parking.
“Glen Island is our largest beach and a beautiful place to walk around,” said Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor. “We’re proud our facility was able to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, and we look forward to welcoming back our neighbors in New Rochelle.”
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Currently, buses and boat launches are prohibited, and the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation is not taking picnic reservations at Glen Island.
I was there yesterday on a walk around the park with my wife it was beautiful, peaceful and relaxing.