The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton Lakes and Cherry Plain State Parks Kick Off Summer Season

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The two local State parks kicked off the summer season Memorial Day weekend for boating, hiking and countless other recreational opportunities.  Cherry Plain State Park is open for camping, swimming and day use, on weekends only, starting  May 25. Grafton Lakes State Park is currently open daily from 8 am to dusk, and the swimming season began May 25.
The sandy beach at Grafton Lakes will be open for swimming Friday through Tuesday, May 25 through June 24 and then daily until Labor Day from 10 am to 6 pm. From July 1 through Labor Day, Cherry Plain State Park’s beach schedule will be daily 10 am to 6 pm. Both beach areas are equipped with comfort stations. GLSP’s swimming area and bathhouses are handicapped-accessible.
Boating opportunities at the parks include canoeing, rowing, kayaking, sailing and the use of electric powered motors. Rowboats and canoes are available for rental at both facilities. Kayaks are also available at GLSP.  Boat rentals will be available at both sites on weekends only until July 1. The rental schedule will be expanded during July and August. The public may launch their own boats during park open hours from designated boat launches.
Cherry Plain State Park will offer camping on weekends only, May 29 through July 1, and then daily through Labor Day.  For reservations, visit www.reserveamerica.com.
Both parks also offer numerous hiking trails and excellent fishing opportunities as well as summer programming. For summer fun enthusiasts, GLSP has playgrounds, a softball field, volleyball nets, horseshoe pits and a basketball court as well as a variety of day use tent and pavilion rentals. The park will also offer summer programs. The June calendar is currently available online at www.nysparks.com/parks.
Starting Memorial Day weekend, vehicle user fees are $8 per car when the beach is open and $6 per car when the beach is closed at both parks through Labor Day.
For more information about upcoming programs or for directions to the parks, please contact GLSP at 518-279-1155.  For more information about New York State Parks, please visit our website at www.nysparks.com.