Parks & Recreation | Albany County, NY

At Albany County Parks & Recreation, it is our mission to provide recreation programs and opportunities for the Albany County community that develop fundamental social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills that promote a higher quality of life, and make Albany County a great place to live, work, and play.

Albany County Parks & Recreation provides a comprehensive approach integrating experienced coaches, proficient staff, quality facilities, and impactful programs, aimed at fostering the well-being of the youth and families in Albany County.

Our ability to provide positive activities for youth who have not had resources or opportunities historically, because of their location or personal background, is paramount for us.

Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail

The Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail project converted a nine-mile stretch of the old Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Railroad between the Port of Albany and Voorheesville to a public recreational trail.

It has linked municipalities along a safe and accessible pedestrian and bicycle route.

The many benefits of the Rail Trail include the preservation of open space, community linkages, opportunities for physical fitness, and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

Learn more about the history, route and ways you can enjoy the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail

Ann Lee Pond Nature & Historic Preserve

Ann Lee Pond and the surrounding ecosystem was dedicated as a county preserve in 1978.

Located near Albany County International Airport, this 180-acre urban oasis includes a large pond, wetlands, forest and meadows. The trails at the preserve are great for hiking and snowshoeing.

At Ann Lee Pond, visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, shoreline fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and more!

Dogs are welcome under the control of an owner and a pet waste station is located in the parking lot.

To protect the area and ensure that all visitors and wildlife can safely enjoy the pond, we do not allow:

Boats
Motorized vehicles
Feeding the wildlife
Drinking alcoholic beverages
Hunting
Trapping
Open fires
Overnight camping
Swimming

Learn more about Ann Lee Pond Preserve

Albany County Hockey Facility

The Albany County Hockey Facility offers a variety of recreational and competitive activities for everyone! The facility is open year-round and averages over 100 hours of activity per week.

In addition to our programs, we offer skate rentals and sharpening, a multipurpose room, and skate shop services for our customers.

Learn more about how you can enjoy the ice at the Albany County Hockey Facility

Lawson Lake County Park

"The Jewel of Albany County"

Once a neglected former camp, Lawson Lake County Park has been transformed into a destination for youth in summer camp programs, and for the general public seeking outdoor activities such as:

Hiking
Picnicking
Kayaking
Canoeing
Fishing
Bird watching
Cross country skiing
Snowshoeing
Nature study

…and so much more!

The Park is open year round from dawn to dusk, and is located on the border of the towns of Coeymans and New Scotland.

Learn more about Lawson Lake County Park

Youth Recreation Programs

We provide fun, free recreational programs for children and teens in Albany County, offering a variety of exciting athletic and non-athletic activities, such as:

STEM Club
Chess Club
Flag Football
Lacrosse
Pickleball
Dance (Hip-Hop)
Dungeons & Dragons
Learn to Ice Skate
Orienteering
Snowshoeing
Taekwondo
Kung Fu

Learn more about our Youth Sports & Recreation Programs

Special Events

Winterfest at Lawson Lake

Take part in ice fishing, snowman building contests, sledding, ice skating, and more! Enjoy various vendors and food trucks as well as coffee and hot chocolate to keep warm!

I Love My Park Day at Ann Lee Pond, Helderberg-Hudson Rail-trail, and Lawson Lake

Celebrate and enhance Albany County’s parks and public lands by volunteering to clean up our parks, restore trails, and work on various site improvement projects!

Summerfest at Lawson Lake

Be a part of fireworks, rock wall climbing, backyard games, kayaking, live musical performances, and other recreational activities!

Barn to Bridge 5K and Family Fall Festival at Firefighter’s Memorial Park

Participate with us in a kids fun run, food trucks, bounce house, dunk tank, face painting, business expo, live musical performances, and more!

We welcome your questions and input. Contact us by phone at (518) 655-7948 or by email at recreation@albanycountyny.gov, or write us at: Albany County Parks & Recreation, 390 New Salem Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186.