Town Code § 7A-0: Access to Town Parks was modified by unanimous resolution of the Town Board on July 19, 2016. The new rule should have little impact on town residents, but does affect non-residents by imposing fees for park access. The underlying rationale is that parks are costly to maintain and non-residents ought to pay their fair share, and also, there are certain times and places when non-resident use displaces town resident use. This is especially the case on weekends at the tennis courts, playgrounds, and other high-demand facilities. Given these priorities, along with the cost and practicality of enforcing them, the new fee policy does not apply to certain low-use green spaces, and it does not apply to nonresidents who are guests of residents. What follows are answers to frequently asked questions. If you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact the Parks Department.
This page will be updated as we receive additional questions from the community.
Who can use Town Parks?
Access to some Town owned and operated parks is now limited to Town residents, their guests, and registered non-residents, except where an exemption has been noted. Park rangers will routinely check photo IDs, or, in the case of non-residents, photo ID and proof of a non-resident pass from the Parks Department.
Are all Orangetown Parks covered under this policy?
Orangetown owns and manages 24 parks ranging from high-demand facilities like playgrounds and tennis courts to remote and undeveloped lands on Clausland Mountain. For reasons of practicality and need, this policy applies to certain parks but not others (a complete list of town parks is available here)
Areas subject to the above law are:
Veterans Memorial Park
Independence Park
Pilgrim Court
Stoughton Park
Tappan Park
Partially Exempted Areas :
Sparkill Memorial Park – Depot Square parking area & Veterans Memorial area are exempt.
Athletic Fields when use is permitted under field use policy
Fully Exempt Areas:
All Town recognized Memorial areas
Cherry Brook Park
Nike Park
Tackamack Park
JB Clarke Rail Trail
Braunsdorf Park
Borst Park
All undeveloped/partially developed areas not otherwise listed in this section.
What is the fee for a Non-Resident pass?
Non-resident passes can be purchased through the Department of Parks and Recreation at the applicable fee as outlined in the Parks and Recreation Department fee schedule approved by the Town Board: The non-resident passes are only for use by the individual that has purchased the yearly or daily pass it does not allow for non-residents to bring additional guests.
Non-Resident Annual Park Access Fees
Fee Category
Annual Fee
Non-Resident Adult
$250.00
Senior (65 and over)
$150.00
Young Adult (age 12-18)
$165.00
Child (11 and under)
$150.00
Veteran’s – No Charge
Daily Fee:
Non-Resident Adult
$25.00
Senior ( 65 & older)
$15.00
Young Adult (ages 12 – 18)
$15.00
Child ( 11 & under)
$15.00
Veterans – No Charge
How do I purchase a Non-Resident Pass?
Non-Resident Passes may be purchased at Parks Department Headquarters located inside Veterans Memorial Park, 81 Hunt Road, Orangeburg, New York 10962, between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
What documentation is considered “proof of residency?”
Any legal form of picture identification with a verifiable address will be considered for proof of residency, i.e. driver’s license or non-driver’s ID.
As a non-resident pass holder am I able to bring a guest?
Non-resident passes are only valid for the pass holder, the pass does not allow for additional guests.
What if I am a Town resident and I want to invite a friend, family member, or sitter who doesn’t live in Orangetown to the park?
Non-residents are permitted access to Town owned and/or maintained Park facilities provided that they are in the company of a verified resident.
I live outside Orangetown and play on a team or league that uses Orangetown athletic fields. Do I have to purchase a non-resident pass?
Athletic fields at all Town owned Park facilities are governed by the Field Use Policy. Non-resident use of these areas is accounted for under this policy provided a field permit has been issued or other written agreement is in place. Accordingly, no charge shall be made for any person using a Town owned athletic field pursuant to the Field Use Policy.
I live outside of Orangetown, but I’d like to attend an event in the park. Do I need to purchase a non-resident pass?
Programs sponsored by the Department Parks and Recreation are primarily for Town residents. Non-resident access for these programs is at the discretion of the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation and his/her designated representative. Call the Parks and Recreation office at (845) 359-6503 or email recreation@orangetown.com for information regarding non-resident event access. The summer concert series is not restricted to residents only.
My family resides in Orangetown but my my child’s caregiver(Grandparent, Nanny, Babysitter, Etc) is a non-resident. Is there a program that allows my caretaker to bring my child(ren) to an Orangetown Park?
Town residents that have a non-resident caretaker may obtain a photo I.D. for their child(ren) to allow for entrance/use of a Town of Orangetown Park. Families can walk in to the Office of Recreation & Parks during normal business hours in order to prove residency. Please see above as to acceptable forms of proof of residency. Child(ren) must be present at time of registration so a photo can be taken so the proper I.D. card can be processed. This card must be available at all times when entering a park.
Why did the Town enact this law?
The Town’s system of parks and park improvements exist for the benefit of the public at large. The purpose of this local law is to assist the Town’s Department of Parks and Recreation to meet its mission “to deliver leisure time opportunities through safe, well-organized and affordable programs and a comprehensive network of parks, trails and open spaces to promote the mental, physical and social well-being of our residents”, through the implementation of a fair and equitable use and fee policy that recognizes both the limited facilities available for use and the cost of maintaining and improving those facilities.
How will the Town use the fees collected for Non-Resident Passes?
The fee policy established by this local law will enable the Town to continue to provide quality recreation programs and make necessary program expansions which would not otherwise be possible. The fees will be used to supplement, not replace, other resources available to the Department of Parks and Recreation, all with a view toward meeting the Town’s responsibility to provide public open space and leisure opportunities rightfully expected by the Town’s taxpaying residents.