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Park

Exploring Wampus Pond: A Bucolic Beauty

May 31, 2019 by Christine Pasqueralle

One sunny spring day last month, my family and I packed a light lunch and set out to explore the bucolic beauty of Wampus Pond in Armonk. The expansive pond is certainly the focal point of the park and the first thing you see as you enter. It’s amazing to think that right off one of the busiest roads in the area, such a peaceful enclave of nature exists. Wampus Pond is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems that you don’t want to miss. If you’ve never been, may I suggest a visit in the near future–you won’t be disappointed.

Located right on Route 128 in the Town of New Castle and the Town of North Castle, Wampus Pond is a breathtaking jewel of a park. The park offers an array of activities for all–whether you want a bit of an adventure or you just want to sit peacefully with a good book while enjoying nature.

Wampus Pond was named after the Indian from whom the land was originally bought in 1696. The name Wampus means “opossum” and the natural pond was formerly known as Wampus Lake Reservoir. Wampus Pond was once part of the New York City water supply and in 1963, Westchester County bought Wampus Pond and 93 acres from the City of New York.

Recently, a cultural resources inventory was performed which unearthed several Native American artifacts as well as remnants of historically significant residential developments in or near the park. The rich history of the land makes for a truly thought-provoking visit through Wampus Pond. You never know what you may come across or who may have walked the same path hundreds of years ago.

Activities All Year Long

Throughout the year, there are many things for visitors to do at Wampus Pond including ice skating, fishing, boating and bird-watching. Dogs are welcome in the park but must be on a leash at all times and are not permitted in the picnic areas. One activity that many anticipate in the warmer months is the opening of the pond for row-boating. Take a few hours to enjoy a peaceful sail across the pond or pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.

Rowboat rentals are available on weekends and holidays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitors may rent the boats in the building situated between the parking lot and the water. Boat rentals can be purchased hourly or daily and the fee is discounted for those with a Westchester County Park Pass. Visitors may also choose to bring their own car-top boats but must have a permit.

In addition to the rowboats, there are picnic tables set up throughout the park so visitors may be able to relax and enjoy the serenity of the park’s natural surroundings. Wampus Pond makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a quick lunch-hour break, relaxing in its quiet serenity. Please note the park is a carry in/carry out facility.

As Westchester County Parks Deputy Commissioner Peter Tartaglia says, “Wampus Pond is a fantastic spot for a picnic, to study nature or take a few turns in a rowboat on a beautiful summer day. Its location on Route 128 between Armonk and Mount Kisco make it an easy spot to visit when you’re visiting either or both towns.”

Take some time to visit Wampus Pond throughout the year. In the spring, the buds on the trees start to come alive, while in the fall all of the gorgeous autumnal colors of the leaves frame the pond. Kids and adults alike will enjoy ice skating in the winter while summertime is made for boating. Wampus Pond is one of Westchester’s loveliest spots and it’s right here in Armonk. Plan your visit soon and prepare to be amazed with its splendor.

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Armonk, Green, Lake, leaves, Nature, North Castle, Park, Wampus Pond, Westchester County Parks

A Jazz Era Picnic in the Park!

August 17, 2018 by The Inside Press

New Castle Historical Society in Chappaqua to Host a Jazz-Era Picnic in the Park:
Featuring NYC’s “Jazz-Age Lawn Party” Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra

The New Castle Historical Society has announced a Jazz-Era Picnic in the Park fundraiser at the Chappaqua Station lawn and circle on Sunday, September 16th, 2018. Slip on your dancing shoes and join the New Castle Historical Society for an evening of music and fun celebrating the Roaring 1920’s! The Chappaqua Station lawn will open to guests at 4 pm, and attendees are encouraged, but not required, to dress in their finest 1920s-inspired outfits, dresses, and sun hats.

The event will feature Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, the world’s premiere Jazz-Age dance orchestra, under the canopy of trees in front of Chappaqua Station. Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, well-known for their infectious and electrifying performances at the “Jazz Age Lawn Party” on NYC’s Governors Island, are sure to have guests dancing the night away and trying their hand at the Charleston or the Lindy Hop. As stated on the band’s website, “The Dreamland Orchestra’s mission is to mine the forgotten yet vital beauty of the past and bring it into the light of today — to be danced and romanced to by a new generation of flappers and sheiks.”

“I have had the good fortune to work with Michael Arenella over the past decade.  I am excited to welcome Michael and his orchestra and all of the magic that surrounds it, to what we hope, will be the first of many collaborative years in support of the New Castle Historical Society,” said Event Chair Peter Chase. NCHS Executive Director Cassie Ward continued, “Guests will find this new event invigorating and memorable–it will truly be a special evening for our local and surrounding communities.” She continued, “Proceeds from this event, and others that we host throughout the year, help us to maintain the preservation of the Horace Greeley House museum, as well as to fund many of our educational and historical programs.”

Guests are invited to bring their own picnics, though some light fare and refreshments will be available for purchase (first come basis). Guests may also choose to pre-purchase picnic baskets from the Chappaqua Station Café and Store: www.chappaquastation.com.

Tickets for the Jazz-Era Picnic in the Park are required, and are $30 for NCHS members, $35 for not-yet-members, and $50 for event supporters. Table Sponsorships ($1,500-$5,000) are also available and they include: family-style gourmet picnics by Crabtree’s Kittle House, wine, commemorative Jazz-Era Picnic in the Park tote bags, and premium orchestra views. All ticket information is available on the historical society’s website at www.newcastlehs.org or on www.eventbrite.com.

For more information, please visit www.newcastlehs.org, call 914-238-4666, or email Cassie Ward at director@newcastlehs.org.

 

Event information provided by the Inside Press via a release from the New Castle Historical Society.

Filed Under: New Castle Releases Tagged With: Chappaqua, Event, Jazz, Jazz event, New Castle Historical Society, Park

Free Summer Evening Concerts in Armonk

June 21, 2017 by The Inside Press

Dates/Location
July 8 • July 22 • August 5 • August 19 • September 9 • 8 PM
Wampus Brook Park • Armonk, NY

Free Admission
Admission is free . . . bring your lawn chair, your picnic basket, your family and friends.

Directions

 

 

Blues and Swing
The Swingaroos
July 8 • 8 pm

NYC/Westchester blues and swing group, The Swingaroos, entertain with their original 1930-40’s-inspired tunes as well as forgotten goodies by world-famous bandleaders Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and Artie Shaw. Their jive is hot swing with Hollywood class and a Vaudeville spirit. Members include Kimberly Hawkey, Assaf Gleizner, Dan Glaude, and Nat Ranson.

Jazz and Soul
Charlie Lagond
July 22 • 8 pm

Co-Founder of Lagond Music School, Charlie Lagond has worked as a professional musician for over 35 years, performing around the world with artists including Chet Baker, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Bernard Purdie, Chuck Mangione, The Jackson Five, the Temptations, Natalie Cole, and Kid Creole & the Coconuts, with whom he has performed at several presidential inaugural balls and at a Command Performance by request of Princess Diana.

Broadway Classics
Donaldson, Hager, Harrington,
O’Brien, and Chee
August 5 • 8 pm

Enjoy some of Broadway’s muical classics with Laura Donaldson, Daniele Hager, Liz Harrington, and Nellie O’Brien along with Katie Luekens Chan Chee as their accompanist. Ms. Hager returns from our summer concert in 2016 and Ms. Donaldson, Ms. Harrington, and Ms. O’Brien performed in The Small Town Theatre Company’s last production of “Steel Magnolias.”

Opera
New Rochelle Opera
August 19 • 8 pm

New Rochelle Opera has been thrilling audiences with imaginative full opera productions since 1985. Critics and audiences alike have praised the brilliance and professionalism of their performances. The Company’s mission is to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of live opera by providing top quality, professional opera performances to local audiences, and giving aspiring young singers an opportunity to showcase their talents in a full-length opera production.

In the event of inclement weather
our concert will move to Whippoorwill Hall
adjacent to the North Castle Public Library
just 1 block west of Wampus Brook Park.

 

SmallTownTheatre.com

for additional information and updates

North Castle Parks and Recreation along with the following sponsors have contributed generously to support this program.

Breezemont Day Camp

JMC Site Development Consultants

Lashins Development Corp

Veneziano and Associates

Faculty Practice Services

Inside Out with Opera

Pools of Perfection

Beascakes Bakery

Hickory & Tweed

Filed Under: North Castle Releases Tagged With: Armonk Summer Concert Series, concert, free, Park, summer, Summer Concerts

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