Summer beach recreation program makes a splash

PINE PLAINS — While summer officially started June 21, it wasn’t until the beginning of this week that residents in Pine Plains really felt they could welcome the season. On Monday, June 30, the town beach officially opened its gates to the public.

Now that that has happened, summer recreation at the scenic swimming hole can get into full swing. Planning those beach-related activities is the job of Beach Director Alicia Griffen, who has returned to the post for her third year.

"We’re going to offer a full recreation program again here. That includes arts and crafts, field activities, water activities and special events," Griffen said before listing a number of scheduled events.

Those events include:

July 3, noon to 4 p.m. — barbecue and pirate bounce tent

July 8, 2 p.m. — magician

July 25, noon to 4 p.m. — child ID program with Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and firetruck visit

July 29, 1 to 4 p.m. — Two by Two Express Zoo

Aug. 6, noon to 4 p.m. — obstacle course

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. — crafts

Meanwhile, the beach will be open to the public seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.

Pine Plains residents may use the beach free of charge with a beach pass, which can be picked up at the beach. Proof of residency (and the fact that you pay Pine Plains taxes) must be provided when picking up a beach pass. Non-residents must pay a daily fee of $3 or buy a season pass, which costs $50 for a family or $25 for an individual. Non-residents under the age of 18 may use the beach for free (and qualify to take part in the beach recreation program free of charge as well).

"I think it’s important for the kids to have recreation for the summer, and with all of the video games and indoor activities that kids are involved in, I think it’s important to get them back outside," Griffen said.

Griffen said what will make this year’s program even more enticing is the fact that she’s brought back arts and crafts, which was not offered last year.

"That probably hurt our numbers a little bit, but I think by bringing back recreation with arts and crafts and special events, our numbers are going to rise dramatically," she said.

Another advantage Pine Plains’ beach program has over others? Its staff.

"We have a very caring staff. It’s not just an eight-to-five job for us. We actually care about the kids and take their interests into mind," Griffen said. "We’re very flexible and I think that makes a difference. If they don’t want to play kickball, guess what? We’re not going to play kickball. We’re very kids-oriented. Our staff develops a relationship with them. I don’t know if other rec departments do that."

Other good news at the beach: The geese are gone. Geese, and their droppings, have plagued the beach for a number of years. But according to the beach director, the Dutchess County Department of Health has already inspected the beach and declared it safe to open.

"The beach is clean. I know that’s a concern for a lot of people," Griffen said. "The geese are gone. The beach is beautiful. It’s really looking nice."

For more information about the beach, or any of its programs, contact Griffen at 518-398-7430.