Spring has finally arrived, which means it’s once again time to get outside and play! Fortunately, Latham and the surrounding area has several nice parks where you can get some exercise and fresh air. Here are a few to get you started.
Located in Colonie, The Crossings is a large public park with plenty of recreational opportunities. It’s a passive use park, which means it has nature trails you can hike, bike, or skate. It’s 6.5 miles of multi-use trails meander through the 130 acres filled with woods, wildflower fields, marshes, and meadows. Restrooms and picnic pavilions are available to the public as well. Also, on Saturdays from May through October The Crossings hosts a Farmers Market from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. Be sure to come and check out the many vendors selling produce, baked goods, flowers, and more.
This island park sits at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers and has miles of wooded nature trails popular with hikers and joggers. It’s also a great place to take the kids fishing, and you can use one of the picnic areas with grills for a family picnic. An abundance of wildlife visits the area including water birds, deer, and even eagles. Waterfalls may be viewed along the trail, and it’s a picturesque spot for photographs.
Located in Troy, Prospect Park covers 80 acres and was designed in 1903 by the first African-American graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Garnet Baltimore. It’s best known for its 14-court tennis facility, and also includes handball courts, basketball courts, and a soccer field. You can enjoy a family picnic here in one of several pavilions, walk along a nature trail, and in the summer the kids can have a blast at the splash park.
In nearby Albany, Washington Park sits at the center of the city’s mostly residential historic district. It was created in the 1870s and is home to several historical monuments. In 1998 this park was named one of the 100 most important parks in the U.S. by the American Association of Architects. The park covers about 89 acres with a huge, 5.2-acre lake, and contains over 100 different species of trees. Many community events and festivals take place here, and it’s also a popular spot for sports, picnics, fishing, and jogging. If your kids aren’t interested in the history of Albany, there’s also a playground area for them to enjoy.
Saratoga National Historical Park
Another great place to combine fresh air with a history lesson, Saratoga National Historical Park is part of the National Park Service and a major Revolutionary War site. In 1777, the Saratoga Battlefield marked the turning point of the war, the first time the British army surrendered to the Patriots. The park includes four areas: the Battlefield, Schuyler House, Victory Woods, and Saratoga Monument. Guided tours are available. If you want to explore other recreational activities in the area, you can download a printable brochure covering the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, as well as a map of bicycle paths around Saratoga.
