New Accessible Playground Opens at Popular Park in Wappingers Falls

Just in time for summer, Dutchess County has announced a brand new playground at a popular Wappingers Falls park.

Dutchess County Residence Help Pick New Playground

Back in August of 2024, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino posted a survey of sorts, asking for the communities input.

The survey asked community members to pick between 2 accessible playground designs. At the time Executive Serino said:

We’re excited to have two fantastic and accessible options to consider for another great playground at Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie to be built near our soccer field.

The new playground would not be replacing the main playground, but it would be an addition to the 310 acre park in Wappingers Falls that over looks the Hudson River.

READ MORE: Dutchess County Park Needs Your Help With New Playground Design

According to a press release from Dutchess County Government, last year over 1,400 people gave feedback on the 2 accessible playground designs.

Now, almost a year later, the playground is ready for the public.

New Accessible Playground Opens at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, NY

On Tuesday July 8th, 2025, the new accessible Bowdoin Park playground was officially open and ready for fun.

The newest addition to Bowdoin Park includes "over 8,000-sqare-feet of cushioned “pour and play” surface" which is designed to "represent a river, a stream, and land inspired by the park’s rich natural history."

Accessible features at the new playground include adaptable swings, universal carousel, sensory play features, and wheelchair access ramps on some of the playground structures.

Director of Dutchess County Parks, Brian Coons said in a statement

We are proud to bring this new accessible playground option to families of all abilities to enjoy and are grateful to the County Executive and County Legislature for the continued support of our Parks programming.”

More Fun at Dutchess County Parks

The press release goes on to add that there are future plans for additions to the landscaping around the park and the addition of more benches and a share tree are being developed by the Parks Team.

Recently, Dutchess County announced that the splash pads and spray-grounds at Bowdoin and Wilcox Memorial Park are opened for the summer season.

Did you know there are 8 parks across Dutchess County that you can visit throughout the year?

Dutchess Park include:

• Bowdoin Park
• Wilcox Memorial Park
• Quiet Cove Riverfront Park
• Harlem Valley Rail Trail
• William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail
• Upper Landing Park
• Heritage Financial Park (formerly Dutchess Stadium)
• Northside Line