Watch the full News Conference Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2HZUb_Gp2I
Read the Parks Survey Results Here:
https://parks.westchestergov.com/about-us/2022-westchester-county-residents-recreation-preferences-survey
Westchester County Parks rolled out its park-user survey, and the results are in: 92% of park visitors find value and positive benefits in the Westchester County Parks system! Earlier today, details of the survey were shared at Muscoot Farm’s groundbreaking for its upcoming site work and unveiling of its restored Main House.
The Westchester County Parks user survey, which is typically deployed every 10 years, invites users to share their feedback on facilities and how they envision the future of the Westchester County Parks system.
Findings included increased park usage across the board when compared to the last survey; as well as visitors’ desires to improve physical health and fitness, mental health and reduce stress, and users are satisfied with the overall value of the Westchester County Parks system.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “The Westchester County Parks system is for our residents, so it is important to hear their feedback and implement it into our plans. According to the survey, Muscoot Farm is one of our most popular parks and investing into its future with the restoration of the house and site improvements, will ensure this generation and generations to come can continue to enjoy the farm and all it has to offer.”
The Muscoot Farm Main House restoration was a $3.6 million capital project that included interior and exterior repairs to the building including roof replacement and repair with all leaks addressed, siding and trim replacement and new gutter system, concrete slab and brick patio repair and replacement, refurbished and replaced doors, interior and exterior painting, interior structural and cosmetic finishes with new plastering in addition to refurbishing the hardwood walnut floors. The Main House is utilized for various events including art shows and with the restoration could include weddings.
The additional $10.2 million site improvement capital project will begin this summer and will include new restrooms and wastewater treatment system; reconstructing of gravel and brick walkways; resurfacing and reconfiguring of roads, parking lot and entrance; reconstruction of fences, and repairing drainage.
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “The capital projects at Muscoot Farm are important in maintaining the integrity of not only the park but the park system itself. According to survey feedback, a large portion of our visitors agree that our parks make Westchester a more desirable place to live, and we will continue maintaining and restoring our facilities to ensure that Westchester remains a desirable location.”