Westchester's Public Boat Launches Are Now Open

Westchester County’s three public boat launch areas, located at George’s Island Park in Montrose, Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson and Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, are now open for the season, County Executive Rob Astorino announced Friday.

“With warmer temperatures finally here, boaters will be eager to hit the water in the coming weeks,” said Astorino in a statement. “Whether you have a small sailboat to take out on the water from a zero-depth entry point or a trailered boat in need of a launch, our parks department is ready to help you get out and enjoy your sport.”

George’s Island Park in Montrose, which provides access to the Hudson River, is available for boats up to 21 feet in length. A Westchester County Park Pass is not required. Launching fees for car-top-carried boats are $5 with a Park Pass and $10 without the Pass. Fees for trailer-carried boats are $15 with a Park Pass and $25 without the Pass. Season permits are available to Park Pass holders only for $100, plus a $5 daily parking fee (May through September). The ramp is open 8 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. For more information, call (914) 737-7530.

Croton Point Park also provides access to the Hudson River via the beach, which can accommodate canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and sailboards. No motorized vehicles may be launched at the park. The daily fee is $5 with a County Park Pass, and $10 without the Pass. Boats may be launched from 8 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. For more information, call (914) 862-5290.

Glen Island provides access to Long Island Sound and can accommodate boats up to 21 feet in length. A County Park Pass is required to use this ramp, according to officials. Car-top-carried boats pay $5, and trailer-carried boats pay $15. Season permits are available to Park Pass holders only for $100, plus a $5 daily parking fee (May through September). The ramp is open from 6 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. For more information, call (914) 813-6720.

Playland Park in Rye also provides access to Long Island Sound. Beginning Saturday, May 9, car-top carried boats may be launched through September. Call (914) 813-7000 or log on to www.RyePlayland.org.

Inflatable boats or similar apparatus may not be launched at any county park area; if you have a question about the particular craft you would like to launch, please call the park ahead of your visit.

For information about how to obtain a Westchester County resident Park Pass, go to www.parks.westchestergov.com or call (914) 864-PARK.