By Thompson Historian Al Dumas

As a lifelong resident of Thompson, I have grown up enjoying our public open spaces and parks – alongside thousands of other residents and visitors, even including former President Jimmy Carter. I’d like to share a few memories and musings about the three parks owned and operated by the Town of Thompson.

East Mongaup River Park

I remember when the lovely East Mongaup River Park was developed about 40 years ago. It was named the Town of Thompson Park since it was the only Town-operated park. As you may know, we now have a total of three Town Parks so the name was changed a few years ago highlight the East Mongaup River that runs through it. At the time the East Mongaup River Park was created, I was a student at Monticello High School. Our track and field team would go out to the park for practice before a track meet.

I remember the area near the river where a pathway was constructed that twisted and turned alongside the riverbank. Today, the riverside pathway has been updated and is one of the most popular places to walk at East Mongaup River Park. Another big draw to this park is the modern playground equipment as well as the pavilions and open areas at the bottom of the hill, perfect for gatherings.

Neversink River Access Park

Thompson’s newest park, the Neversink River Access Park, offers a grand view of its namesake river near the Holiday Mountain Recreation Park. This park is a great spot for fly fishing, in an area that is already renowned for its world class fly fishing, specifically in nearby Roscoe at Junction Pool, where the Beaverkill meets Willowemoc Creek. This freshwater creek is unique to hosting many famous fly fishermen – even earning a Presidential visit from Jimmy Carter to open the fly season in April 1984. Learn more about fly fishing history in the Catskills at the exceptional Catskill Fly Fishing Museum. 

Lake Ida Park

In Rock Hill, you’ll find Lake Ida Park. At the center of this park is a tranquil lake, surrounded by many pathways and a quiet woods. There is a rich history to Lake Ida Park, as it was formerly home to Camp Jened. Camp Jened was a summer camp for those with disabilities, and had a major impact on the disability rights movement as featured in the recent popular documentary, Crip Camp. The original Camp Jened was located in Hunter, New York. That location closed in 1977, but a new Camp Jened location was reopened here in Rock Hill at the current site of Lake Ida Park. Camp Jened was operated by the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State up until it closed in 2009.

My goal is to build more memories at these amazing parks – and I hope you’ll join me this summer in doing just that!