Cool off this summer and hit the beach

PINE PLAINS — In between rainy days, things have been heating up and there’s no better cure than a dip in Stissing Lake.

The lake opened to the public on June 22, and will be open every day until Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free for Pine Plains residents, but if you’re not lucky enough to live within the town’s boundaries, adults will be charged $3 per day or $25 for the season. Family passes are $50 per season for out-of-towners, senior passes are $15 and children are always free.

Across the street, the summer day camp is running on weekdays until Aug. 14 at the Lions Pavilion, where a plethora of games, arts and crafts and activities will keep the little ones busy this season. The cost is $100 per week, and the camp director is Jen Chase, also the town’s recreation director. She can be reached at 518-567-7207.

Definitely one of the highlights of the summer program is its close proximity to the beach, and Beach Director Katey Kalanges and the rest of the lifeguards on duty this summer have booked a full schedule every week. That’s in addition to full use of the beach. Three activities are planned each day, at noon, 1 and 2 p.m., and include oldie but goodies such as wiffle ball, freeze tag, arts and crafts, sand castle building contests and much, much more.

“Everyone’s so energetic,� Kalanges said about her staff. “We all love kids, and we have a great time. A lot of people come down for our activities schedule.�

The Stissing Lake beach has been a local hot spot for generations, as witnessed by the Dickinsons, who wouldn’t trade it for the world.

“I went every day to this beach with these kids,â€� said Delores Dickinson, who pointed to her daughter, Jennifer, who is now grown with her own kids, Grayson and Noah. They were busy building sand castles, fishing  and braving the still-a-bit-chilly water. “I love the atmosphere here, and there’s plenty of socializing for the children.â€�

“The kids definitely like all the activities,� Jennifer agreed.