Frequently Asked Questions

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

Q. When is the pool open?
A.  The pools are generally open from the second Saturday in June through Labor Day.  Some exceptions may occur.

Q.  What do I need to access the pool complex?
A.  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 January 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.

Q. What do I need to bring in order to get a pool pass?
A.  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 on-line.  Residency is verified using current year property tax rolls.

Q.  How can I reserve a pavilion?
A.  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.   Call the Park office (439-4955, option 3) to determine availability.   A pavilion request form can be printed from our forms page.   When it is returned with the fee, your reservation will be confirmed.

Q.  How do I apply for a summer job?
A.  Application forms are available on the Town of Bethlehem website or at the park office.  All applications should be received by March 15.

Q.  Can I volunteer?
A.  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 a least entering 8th grade.   The application is also available at the park office.  Deadline is May 1.

Q.  How can I learn more about your recreation activities and special events?
A.  The Town of Bethlehem’s website contains the most current activity brochure as well as a few back issues.  The current brochure, the Park Playbook, is mailed to residents.  Current brochures are also available at the park office, these contain information about activities and special events and registration instructions. 

Q.  When does the Parks and Recreation brochure get mailed?
A.  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 Parks' Seasonal Brochures page.

Q.  Do you have a summer day camp?
A.  Yes!  Camp Adventure is for children entering grades 4-7 and Sunny Day Camp is for children entering grades 1-3.  For details, visit Camp Corner.  These camps meet at the Elm Avenue Park Large Pavilion.

Q.  How do I get to the town parks?
A.  Please click here for directions and brief information regarding our other parks.

Q.  Can I bring my dog to any of the town parks?
A.  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.

Q.  Can I bring my dog to the Dog Park?
A.  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.  For more information, see the Dog Park page on our web site.

Q.  What can we do in the parks in the winter?
A.  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 is 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.

Q.  What hours is the skating rink open?
A.  Generally school nights until 8 p.m. and weekend nights and holidays until 10 p.m.

Q.  Where are the boat launch and fishing platform located?
A.  The boat launch for the Hudson River is located at Henry Hudson Park off Route 144 in Selkirk.

Q.  When are the boat launch and fishing platform open?
A.  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 of the Town's web site for opening and closing information. The launch is open daily one hour before sunrise until 10 p.m.

Q.  Can you give me information on local sports leagues?
A.  These are private clubs organized by parent volunteers.  Although these groups use our facilities/fields, we do not schedule their games, practices, etc.

Q.  When are the tennis courts and basketball courts lit?
A.  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 11:00 p.m.

Q.  How do I know when a playing field is closed?
A.  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.

Q.  Who owns/operates Colonial Acres Golf Course?
A.  The Open Space Conservancy owns the property and leases it to the town. The town has licensed the operation to Dale Ezyk Golf, LLC. Golf course information can be found at www.golfcolonialacres.com.