Finding Nature in Westchester’s Tibbetts Brook Park

As a native New Yorker (Bronx-raised), much of my childhood centered on family picnics in Pelham Bay Park and playing sports as a teenager in Central Park. I loved the time spent outside enjoying the fresh air. In fact, my love of nature inspired me to move to rural Oneonta, NY for college and after having lived there for six years, I became dependent on the fresh air for piece of mind and balance.

When my husband and I moved to Yonkers we did not know much about the area. From my trips to Cross County Mall and Central Avenue, I believed that it was not a place to experience the beauty of the environment. Ultimately, in much the same way that people are shocked to learn that more than one tree grows in Brooklyn, I was amazed to find Tibbetts Brook Park in the middle of Yonkers.

We heard a lot about Tibbetts from our neighbor and babysitter. She often told us that she took our daughter to the playground there and that during the summer her boys enjoyed swimming in the pool. But we weren’t convinced. After all, we had been living in Yonkers for two years and never even saw this so-called Tibbets Park.  But, my husband refused to give up and decided that we would find it no matter how long it took. And find it we did.

Tibbetts Brook Park is hidden off of Midland Avenue, nestled between the Saw Mill River Parkway and The Cross County Parkway.  At 161-acres it provides its visitors with a place to gather for miniature golf, swimming (the pool is currently under-reconstruction), ice skating, geese watching, hiking, tennis, picnicking, and so much more. The park is dog friendly as long as your four-legged companion remains leashed and away from the picnic areas. And to ensure that the park remains dog-waste free, the County provides dog walkers with waste bags to aide in cleaning up after their pets.

The highlight of Tibbetts Brook Park, for my three-year-old daughter is the beautiful playground loaded with slides, swings and other climbing structures. My husband and I spend countless hours watching her from nearby benches as she explores with and chases  after the many children taking advantage of all that Tibbetts has to offer. And when she tires of the playground, we head over to the pond where we observe the numerous species of wildlife that call Tibbetts home. She is also fascinated with the gazebo and waterfall and we try to visit these spots at least twice a week. Because of the amazing scenic views we have recently started walking the paths weekly as a part of our exercise routine. While a park pass is required during the spring and summer seasons, Tibbets is free to explore during the winter months. It is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk.

For my family, Tibbetts offers us a getaway from the insanity of city life. It helps to remind us that while the conveniences of city living are often enticing, getting back to the beauty of nature is never too far away.

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