James Baird State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Baird State Park |
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The golf course and clubhouse at James Baird State Park
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| Type | State park |
| Location | 14 Maintenance Lane Pleasant Valley, New York |
| Area | 590 acres (2.4 km2) |
| Created | 1939 |
| Operated by | New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
| Visitors | 103,618 (in 2014) |
| Open | All year |
| Website | James Baird State Park |
James Baird State Park is a large state park in Dutchess County, New York, United States. This park covers about 590 acres, which is a huge area for outdoor fun! It is located in the northern part of the Town of LaGrange. You can find it east of the City of Poughkeepsie. It's a popular spot for people who love nature and sports.
Contents
Park History: How It Began
Who Was James Baird?
The park is named after a very important person, James Baird. He was an engineer with a special degree called a Ph.D. Mr. Baird owned a construction company. This company built famous buildings like the Lincoln Memorial and the Folger Shakespeare Library. In 1939, James Baird generously gave his land to New York State. He wanted it to become a park for everyone to enjoy.
Changes Over Time
Long ago, the park had a big swimming pool. Many people enjoyed swimming there. In the 1980s, the park decided to fill in the pool. The building that was once the bathhouse is now used as a restroom. The area where the pool used to be is easy to spot. It is surrounded by rows of tall elm trees.
What to Do at James Baird State Park
Fun Activities for Everyone
James Baird State Park offers many ways to have fun outdoors. You can enjoy a picnic with your family or friends. There are special picnic tables and covered areas called pavilions. Kids can have a great time at the playground. The park also has special recreation programs.
Exploring Nature and Trails
If you love nature, you can explore the park's nature trail. It's a great way to see local plants and animals. You can also go hiking or biking on the park's trails. When winter comes, the park is perfect for cross-country skiing.
Sports and Games
The park has a fantastic sports complex. You can play many different games there. This includes pickleball, softball, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. The park is also home to an 18-hole golf course. It is called the James Baird State Park Golf Course. You can also grab a snack or drink at the food concession stand.
