Outdoors

VAN CORTLANDT Park, located at West 246th Street and Broadway, will host its first-ever “Fishing Derby,” on Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m. Local residents can test their fishing skills by pitting themselves against other enthusiasts while enjoying a day outdoors. There will be prizes, several activities for children and all sorts of other fish-themed fun. This program is free and open to the public. Participants should meet at the nature center. For more information, call 718-548-0912.

THE NEW York City public pools will open for the 2009 summer season on Saturday, June 27. The Van Cortlandt Pool, which is located in the park, at West 242nd Street and Broadway, will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., every day of the week, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. Visitors should bring a bathing suit, towel and a lock. Pool admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 718-548-2415 or call 718-760- 6969 ext. 0 for the Adult Lap Swim schedule.

PELHAM BAY Park, located at Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue, presents Medicinal Plants, a special nature walk, on Sunday, June 28, at 11 a.m. Throughout history, people all around the world have used various plants, such as willow, cedar, purple coneflower and others, as remedies for all kinds of illnesses. During this event, visitors will identify some of the medicinal plants that grow in Van Cortlandt Park and learn more about their individual uses. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and meet at the Pelham Bay Ranger Station. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 718-885-3467.

KENSICO DAM Plaza will host African-American Heritage Day on Sunday, June 28, from noon to 7 p.m. Visitors will experience the traditions of African-American culture during this special celebration, which will feature live performances by a drum corps, a gospel choir, a jazz ensemble and dancers, as well as interactive fitness activities and a special “smoke house” that will allow families to practice their fire exit routine and learn helpful skill that could save lives. Arts and crafts items will be available for purchase and there will be various types of ethnic foods for sale throughout the afternoon. Visitors should bring chairs or blankets for seating on the lawn. Admission is free and open to the public. Kensico Dam Plaza is located in Valhalla, N.Y., at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway or via Route 22. For more information, call 914-864-7275.

ORCHARD BEACH, located on the Long Island Sound in Pelham Bay Park, is the only beach in the Bronx and it is currently open for swimming, sun tanning and more, now through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. Throughout the beach season, lifeguards are on duty everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Swimming is prohibited at all other times. For more information, call 718-885-2275.

BICYCLE SUNDAYS on the Bronx River Parkway will conclude its spring schedule this weekend, on Sunday, June 28. A 7-mile portion of the parkway, between the Westchester County Center in White Plains and Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, will be closed to all motorized vehicles from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Only bicyclists, in-line skaters, scooters, walkers, joggers and strollers will be allowed along the route and children under the age of 14 are required to wear a helmet. Bicycle Sundays will resume in the fall, on the second weekend of September. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the County Parks Department at 914-864-7275.

STEW LEONARD’S located at 1 Stew Leonard Drive, in Yonkers, will continue its popular Saturday morning gardening workshops on June 27, at 9 a.m. This free series is held every Saturday, except during holiday weekends, through Oct. 3. Workshops always begin at 9 a.m., last about one hour and do not require pre-registration. The topic for this week’s program, on June 27, is “Design a Spectacular Landscape.” Participants should meet at the store’s Garden Center entrance. For more information, call 914-375-4700.

This is part of the June 25, 2009 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

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