In another sign of life returning to normal, The Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park will open for the season on Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer,  Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell announced.

The 200-plus acre park is open for hiking, fishing, picnicking, fun, games and, of course, swimming at the only public county-owned lake in Putnam.

“With every activity that returns, we are one step closer to putting the coronavirus pandemic behind us,” County Executive Odell said. “So go out and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us in Putnam County, especially in our lovely Veterans Memorial Park.”

Last year, in response to the pandemic, the park opened late in the season, limited capacity and had strict rules on group activities.

Starting Saturday May 29, the park will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day through Labor Day.  The beach opens at 10:30 a.m. and the rules have been eased.

True to its name, the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park has several memorials to those who have served in the armed services.

Among the attractions are an M-60 Tank, a Cobra-318 Helicopter and several memorials.  On Sunday, May 30, the New York Riders motorcycle group will dedicate a new memorial to fallen veterans, the Battlefield Cross. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at the park.

Parking at the park on Gipsy Trail Road, Carmel is $8 a day, or $40 for a season’s pass for county residents and $85 for a season’s pass for non-county residents. There are discounts for seniors. Parking is free for veterans.