Sullivan parks closed, DEC boat launches open 

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — In order to protect public health and safety due to the spread of COVID-19, the Sullivan County Legislature has decided to close all county parks, playgrounds and related facilities.

“This decision was not reached lightly or easily,” explained legislature chairman Robert Doherty. “But based on the advice of our health leaders, it is crucial to maintain strict social distancing at these properties, and the most effective method is to temporarily shut them down.”

The affected facilities include: Lake Superior State Park in Bethel; Stone Arch Bridge Historical Park in Kenoza Lake; Minisink Battleground Park in Barryville; D&H Canal Linear Park in Wurtsboro and Summitville; Livingston Manor Covered Bridge Park in Livingston Manor; Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History in Narrowsburg; and the Sullivan County Cultural Center & Museum in Hurleyville.

Many towns and villages have also closed parks, dog parks, playgrounds and basketball courts to ensure that residents adhere to social distancing.

In the area of access to water, the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) is moving in the other direction. The DEC announced on April 9 that boat launch installations are ongoing across the state, and residents are invited to use them as long as they practice social distancing.

A press release from DEC says “during the COVID -19 public health crisis, when boating and fishing, DEC and state parks personnel encourage New Yorkers to recreate locally and use the hashtag #RecreateLocal, avoid busy waters, and follow the guidelines on DEC’s website about fishing responsibly in New York State.”

Boat launches at DEC campgrounds are not opened and restrooms at DEC facilities remain closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In Sullivan County, the open boat launches include those on the Upper Delaware River at Barryville, Narrowsburg, Skinners Falls and Callicoon. Boat launches on area lakes are open.  

 For a full list of boat launches statewide go to www.bit.ly/TRRriveraccess.

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