The Westchester County Parks system spans 18,000 acres and consists of more than 50 parks, nature centers, hiking and biking trails, six commercial pools, three beaches and Rye Playland, the only government-owned-and-operated amusement park in the country. The County Parks Department and its patrons rely on the Patrol Services Division to protect this vast and complex parks system.
Tens of thousands of county residents and non-residents visit the parks year round, with a huge spike in attendance over the summer months. The PSD maintains patrols of these parks throughout the year and redeploys officers as well as seasonal park rangers to the parks during the summer.
The presence of both PSD officers and seasonal park rangers assure park visitors of a safe and enjoyable experience. Bicycle and All Terrain Vehicle patrols are an important element of the PSD’s effectiveness within the parks and along the extensive county trailways.
With special events held throughout the year in the various parks and at the Westchester County Center, the PSD is repeatedly counted on to provide and coordinate exceptional police security.
The Playland Summer Concert Series, cultural celebrations, sporting events and fireworks shows are some of the many popular events that have the potential of drawing thousands of people at a time.