A few years ago, my husband and I moved from the City to our current home in Westchester County to raise our toddler daughter and infant son. Our trajectory followed a common migration pattern of many New Yorkers (Upper West Side to Brooklyn to the Rivertowns). And, like those before us, we were drawn to Westchester County for the quality of life it afforded our family: a home, located within a quiet community, surrounded by abundant parkland.
However, it wasn’t until settling into our neighborhood that we discovered the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park—a 26.2 mile linear park that begins at the Croton Dam in Cortlandt and terminates at Van Cortlandt Park in Yonkers. The OCA, as it is known, is accessible just a half block from our house, and it has become our favorite, local park. We regularly walk the Aqueduct into the villages of Dobbs Ferry or Hastings-on-Hudson, while enjoying picturesque river views. For extended adventures, we jog or cycle along the Aqueduct for greater distances to enjoy those places a little beyond our local travels.
As a parent, I am drawn to the Aqueduct because it is a safe, verdant path that is uninterrupted by traffic or the trappings of play equipment. As a psychologist, I am drawn to the Aqueduct because it is a serene, canopied trail that allows for quiet moments with one another. Stretches of the Aqueduct feel completely disconnected from the world around us and allow for us to get lost in our conversations, in our thoughts, in our wonder.
Mental health researchers find that “green spaces”—areas of grass, trees and parkland—are associated with healthier outcomes for children, including reduced emotional distress, improved behavioral development and increased attention and concentration. Activities in these green spaces, such as hiking, long walks or exploring local flora, have been found to significantly reduce symptoms of ADHD, buffer anxiety and depression, and improve physical health among children. Researchers find similar positive benefits for adults, as evidenced by the benefits of Shinrin-yoku or the Japanese art of “forest bathing.” After a “forest bath,” adults often report decreased feelings of stress, anxiety or anger while reporting increased feelings of energy or vigor.
And so, though green spaces abound in Westchester County—spaces filled with wonderful opportunities for play and learning—the Old Croton Aqueduct offers something unique: a forest bath for your family as you wander along the Lower Hudson Valley. Consider this resource as you plan your next adventure.
