In 1974, The Shannen’s, Benjamin and Doris, donated 52 acres to the Town to preserve the land as a park and wildlife area for the citizens to be able to walk through instead of sitting on their front porches. The park was named Shannen Park in their honor. The Townspeople have been grateful for their contribution. After a very slow beginning, the park has become a center of activity, a showplace for our community.   The park boasts picnic benches, and pavilions with charcoal grills, a playground designed to enhance a child’s imaginative play, with sections that are handicap accessible for handicapped children as well.  There are two ball fields, basketball hoops, bathrooms and about a mile of paved roads that invite joggers and walkers. 

In the winter the park has an ice skating rink available to the Wawayanda residents (Weather Permitting).

The Town of Wawayanda Recreational / Senior Center building which is located in Shannen Park, Is home to the Slate Hill Pacers. The Slate Hill Pacers senior citizens group was formed to help all senior citizens in the Town of Wawayanda age 55 and older with socialization and recreational activities. It is a not- for- profit organization which is subsidized by the Town of Wawayanda..

Bryce “Buzz” Flynn, a former town supervisor ran the park from 1985 until his death in 2012. He built the park to what it is today; neat, clean, and beautiful with covered picnic areas, playgrounds, and walkways.   

For more information on Shannen Park or the Slate Hill Pacers,  you can "like" and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlatehillNY/

Need directions to the Shannen Park?

Park Pavillion Outdoor Rental / Senior Center Indoor Rental

The Senior Center is open. 

Interested in renting a pavilion at our beautiful Shannen Park? Our office can help you with that, for details please review our Rental Agreement and check with our office for available dates. To reserve a pavilion in the Park or to rent the common room at The Senior Center, contact Barbara Young at the Highway Department, 845-355-5700 ext. 6, Monday through Friday 10am - 1pm.  You must be a resident of the Town of Wawayanda.

Below is a photo of the common room at The Senior Center located in Shannen Park which is now available to rent for your special function.

Beautiful flowers donated to Shannen Park

THANK YOU to Kathy Carroll and Cathy Parlapiano, owners of Here's Help Staffing & Recruiting in Middletown, NY for donating flowers to Shannen Park. They really helped to make a beautiful presentation in the Park to honor our Veterans, as we say Thank You for your service and your sacrifice to our Country!