When I was a kid we went to Rockland Lake State Park every summer to rent row boats and spend the day in the sun enjoying the beautiful lake. Once the boat rentals ceased we stopped going as often until a bike rental opened shop there. During the short time that it was open we would sometimes rent bikes and bike around the pretty lake. After that during the last decade we didn’t really return. Last we remembered there was no playground, and boating and biking only happened if you brought your own, although there is a public pools as well as tennis courts open in the summer.

We returned this week when our family was all home due to the coronavirus outbreak. We loaded up the kids bikes and were off for some fresh air. We were surprised to see how many people had the same idea. Everyone was walking or biking around the lake while keeping a distance from others. The 3.2 mile path around the lake is paved smoothly making it suitable for roller blading as well.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that a beautiful playground was added in the recent years. There are also two large water slides at the pool and a splash pad open in the summer. There are lots and lots of benches and picnic tables with bbq stations scattered all around the lake. Fishing is permitted and boating can be enjoyed if you bring your own car top boats. But mostly we enjoyed the fresh air, the beautiful views of the lake and the mountains surrounding it.

We finally returned to the park this summer (2021) to check out the new playground. It is an extremely enjoyable playground including lots of fun climbing structures and an area for toddlers.

Posted: March 23, 2020

Updated: August 4, 2021

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