FAQs • Bethlehem, NY • CivicEngage

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Parks & Recreation Department

1. What are your office hours?: The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A drop box is located outside the office building for any correspondence after normal business hours.

2. How can I learn more about your recreational activities and special events?: View the latest activity brochure. The most current brochure, the Park Playbook, is mailed to residents. Current brochures are also available at the park office and town hall. These brochures contain information about activities and special events and registration instructions.

3. What is the Lottery system and how does it work?

The Lottery system is a way for Town of Bethlehem residents to register for a *tentative spot in their activity of choice BEFORE registration is opened to non-resident and residents on a first come, first serve basis.

When you register, your registration fee will be deposited immediately.

You will receive an email stating that you have been entered into the Lottery.

Following the computerized Lottery Spin (check Park Playbook for specific Lottery Spin date!) you will receive another email informing you of your Enrollment or Waiting List status.

If you receive the email with your status of Enrollment, you got a spot in your desired activity!

If you receive the email with your status of Waiting List, you were not selected for your desired activity and will be placed on a waiting list.

4. How do I get to the town parks?: Please view our maps and directions page.

5. How can I reserve a pavilion?: Three pavilions at Elm Avenue Park, one at Maple Ridge Park, and one at Henry Hudson Park may be reserved by Town of Bethlehem residents or Town of Bethlehem-based organizations. A nominal fee is charged based on the size of your group. View availability online or call the park office (518-439-4955, option 3) to determine availability. A pavilion request form must be filled out, which can be found on each park's page. When it is returned with the fee, your reservation will be confirmed.

6. When does the Parks and Recreation brochure get mailed?: The brochure, called the Park Playbook, is mailed inside the Bethlehem Town News to residents three times per year (generally early April, late August, and early December). A printable version is also available on the seasonal brochures page.

7. Can I bring my dog to any of the town parks?: Sorry, dogs are not allowed in our parks with the exception of the dog park. We are concerned for the safety of all park users and the cleanliness of the grass areas where your children play.

8. Can I bring my dog to the dog park?: Absolutely! The dog park is a great place for your dog to run and socialize. Dog park permits (colored collar tag) are available at the town clerk’s office for a nominal fee. Proof of rabies and distemper vaccinations must be shown, and the dog must be licensed in the Town of Bethlehem (sorry, no non-resident dogs). For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please observe the hours and rules posted at the dog park.

9. How do I know when a playing field is closed?: The group's field contact person will disseminate any field closures to coaches, players, parents, etc. through their source (voice mail, website, etc.). Check with the club to determine their method.

10. Where are the boat launch, kayak/canoe launch and fishing platform located?: The launches and fishing platform for the Hudson River are located at Henry Hudson Park off Route 144 in Selkirk.

11. When are the boat launch, kayak/canoe launch and fishing platform open?: The docks and fishing platform are put into the water sometime in April (depending on tides and water levels in the river). They are removed for the winter in October. Check the Henry Hudson Park page for opening and closing information. The launches are open daily one hour before sunrise until 10 p.m.

12. Can you give me information on local sports leagues?: These are private clubs organized by parent volunteers. Although these groups use our facilities and fields, we do not schedule their games, practices, etc. For a list of local groups, please use our Resource Directory.

13. When are the tennis courts and basketball courts lit?: The courts are lit from mid-May until the end of October, weather permitting. Lights are on timers. As a warning, some lights will go off at 10:50 p.m.; all others go off at 11 p.m.

14. What do I need to bring in order to get a pool pass?: Proof of residency is required to obtain a new pass or update a previously issued pass. This includes a photo ID and a current utility bill, property tax bill, or lease agreement (all bills or agreements must have a printed street address, no P.O. boxes). Passes must be updated annually. All passes (2008 and newer) may be updated by mail or online. Residency is verified using current year property tax rolls.

15. When do the pools open and close for the season?: The pools are generally open from early June through Labor Day. Some exceptions may occur.

16. What do I need in order to access the pool complex?: The pool complex is open to Town of Bethlehem residents and their guests (guests must be accompanied by a resident). Every resident age 5 and older needs a pool pass; they can be obtained at the park office from May 1st until late August or at the pool during regular hours. The purchase of a season pass entitles you to unlimited visits during the summer. A pay-as-you-go pass allows you to pay the pool fees each time you visit.

17. Can I volunteer?: Sure! We use volunteers in many of our programs throughout the summer. We ask that you fill out a volunteer application form so we may determine your interest and availability. You should be at least entering eighth grade. The application is also available at the park office. Deadline is May 1.

18. How do I apply for a summer job?: You must fill out a summer job application form and turn it in to the park office. All applications should be received by March 15.

19. Do you have a summer day camp?: Yes! Camp Adventure is for children entering grades four through seven, and Sunny Day Camp is for children entering grades one through three. For details, visit the camp corner. These camps meet at the Elm Avenue Park large pavilion.

20. What can we do in the parks in the winter?: Lots of things! The skating rink at Elm Avenue Park is open when the ice is at least 4 inches thick. Cross-country skiing and snow shoeing are allowed in any park. Snowmobiles are allowed at Elm Avenue Park, but only on the fields at the south end of the park along Route 32. Great sledding can be found at Elm Avenue Park and Maple Ridge Park.