The removal of dead geese from a lake in Carroll Park in February, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Town of Mount Pleasant
Carroll Park in Thornwood will reopen on Wednesday after a thorough cleaning in response to an avian flu outbreak.
Municipal employees meticulously decontaminated all surfaces within the park that are frequently touched by visitors. Town workers used a hypochlorous acid-based disinfectant spray, a substance proven effective in eliminating viruses, including the Covid-19 virus.
The reopening of Carroll Park comes after the Town of Mount Pleasant fully complied with all protocols set forth by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Officials from the DEC also confirmed that the impending warmer weather conditions will naturally contribute to the inactivation of the avian flu virus.
“The health and safety of our residents is our absolute top priority,” said Mount Pleasant Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi. “Our municipal employees went beyond the required measures to ensure Carroll Park was safe for public use. We understand the concern this outbreak caused, and we wanted to take every step to provide peace of mind to our community.”
The Feb. 2 discovery of dead geese at Carroll Park on Rolling Hills Road prompted the Town to act swiftly and close the park. Subsequent tests on the dead geese found traces of avian flu.
If residents encounter a deceased goose in a public park or on Town-owned property, they should contact the Town Police Department at 914-769-1941. For dead birds found on private property, residents should continue to report them to the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Further information can be found at:
Westchester County’s Department of Health webpage, Avian Influenza
Department of Environmental Conservation’s webpage, Avian Influenza – Winter 2025
