Hi, Friends!

My name is Jessica Dickinson and I’m honored to introduce myself as your new Parks and Recreation Director for the Town of New Windsor!

I have worked in municipal Parks & Recreation for over 20 years as a professional in this field, most recently for the towns of East Fishkill, Pawling, and Union Vale in Dutchess County, alongside experience working in the county’s Youth Bureau. I am also a former classroom educator, summer camp director, and remain passionate about providing positive youth development opportunities. In addition to youth, it’s important we program with a multi-generational and accessible approach, as recreation is able to connect and serve both children and adults in all walks of life in meaningful ways.

I am currently the Hudson Valley Leisure Services Association (HVLSA) President and have served on the Executive Board of the New York State Recreation and Parks Society (NYSRPS). I appreciate any time I am able to collaborate with my regional and state colleagues.

A very familiar & favorite colleague of mine, Matt Veronesi, was the long time Parks & Recreation Director here and I’m both honored and thrilled to be able to continue the strong foundation he’s set for us. I went to visit him recently in the Town of Clarkstown and he said “Hello!” I anticipate many fun and exciting times as I get to know many New Windsor faces – I plan to enhance our current programs and create new ones alongside you!

I am so happy to be here and lead top-notch community programming into the future. I love sharing innovative solutions and resources in order to improve overall quality of life for all ages and all abilities. We are certainly in the heat of the busy season with concerts, camp, and community events approaching!

Here are two main pieces of “NOTES & NEWS” I’d like to share with you:

1. Our Parks & Recreation Master plan will be in development with your input very soon and the survey is now available! Please fill this survey out as soon as possible – the survey link will close on July 19^th! https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/bede25591aa04576a310b38a97df8e78
2. We are going to the NEXT LEVEL with Summer Camp at Kristi Babcock Park! Planning, alongside Camp Director Richard Schaffner, is well underway and will be especially enhanced this year to include:
   • Device-Free camp environment so your child can focus on FUN
   • Concession stand pre-ordering for quick and easy lunches
   • Cooling/water activities & events daily
   • Weekly special guests with unique activities
   • Arts, Building, & Crafts with meaningful take-home projects
   • Daily Team Building and Challenges
   • Bubble Machine Pop-Up Parties!
   • And so much more….we can’t wait for your children to join us. We’ve taken a look at our past programming, we’re excited to make a few exciting changes, and the future is looking BRIGHT as we go to the NEXT LEVEL! Register for summer camp HERE.

Let’s take everything to the next level – will you join me?

I can be reached easily at jdickinson@newwindsor-ny.gov if you’d like to be in touch! Be well and be on the lookout for more NOTES & NEWS as we work together…

Jessica Dickinson

Director of Parks & Recreation

Town of New Windsor

Office: 845-565-7750

Fax: 845-420-6369

Special thank you to my Parks & Rec colleague, Matt, who helped guide our New Windsor community with so many fun recreation opportunities! Here's to a BRIGHT future ahead!