Nelson Park

Ossining’s Nelson Park (open in Google Maps) is a large, open park that gets a lot of community use. Nelson is located along S Highland Ave (Route 9/Albany Post Rd) at the corner of Washington Ave. That corner is home to memorials to Ossining and other local residents who died in the Civil War, WWI, WWII and the Korean and Vietnam wars. The park is within the Old Village neighborhood.

Nelson Park has a playground at its lower level off Nelson Ave. The playground was partially redone in 2016 with 2 new play structures. It’s been said that it’s a great playground for tag. There is a HUGE slide, some climbing features, a large (fake) rock and a bunch of other goodies. Between the 3 play structures, it’s great for any age.

The park also has 2 basketball courts, a baseball diamond, large field behind it perfect for pickup football/soccer, a large oval paved path frequented by joggers, walkers, bikers, scooter-ers and more.

Nelson Park features 4 har-tru tennis courts, but keep in mind that a Recreation & Parks Department-issued permit is required to play ($75/year as of 2018, and you need a Rec ID Card to get one). There is also league play, mixed doubles and some tennis classes available. See the latest Ossining Recreation & Parks Department brochure for details (should be downloadable at this link). The courts are closed during the winter.

Parking is available in a few places. There is street parking along Washington Ave, dedicated spots on Edward Street, and, if you’re heading to the playground, street parking down on Nelson Ave.