If you’re driving down Lake Road in Clarkson, you’ve probably passed it a hundred times. A stretch of green, some sports fields, a nondescript sign. Honestly, a lot of people just see Hafner Park Clarkson NY as "that place with the soccer fields." But if that’s all you think it is, you’re missing out on the actual heart of this community.
It’s not some massive state park with towering waterfalls. It’s better because it’s useful. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find a high school kid practicing their kick wall skills at 4:00 PM and a retiree quietly fishing in the pond twenty yards away.
Why Hafner Park Clarkson NY Is Actually the Town’s Secret Weapon
Most locals know about the playground. It’s fenced-in, which is a massive win for parents of "runners." But the real gems are the things people forget are there. Did you know there's a horse arena? You don’t see that in your average suburban park.
The layout is spread across 3655 Lake Road. It’s basically the sports capital of the town. We're talking four soccer fields, three lacrosse fields, and two football fields. If there’s a youth game happening in Monroe County, there’s a solid 50% chance it’s happening right here.
But here is the thing. The park is currently in the middle of a massive identity shift. The Town of Clarkson realized a couple of years ago that while the sports fields were busy, the rest of the park was, well, underutilized. In 2024 and 2025, they’ve been pushing a "Hafner Park Redesign" project. They aren't just adding a few benches; they’re trying to turn this into a "town campus."
The Goodwin Lodge and the Rental Game
You might remember it as just "the enclosed pavilion," but it’s officially the Goodwin Lodge now. If you want to host a graduation party or a family reunion here, you have to plan ahead. Unlike the open-air pavilions which are strictly first-come, first-served, the Goodwin Lodge requires a rental agreement through the Clarkson Town Hall.
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It’s got a full kitchen. That’s the big draw. You aren’t just sweating over a charcoal grill while everyone else eats potato salad; you can actually prep a real meal. Just don't forget the rules. The town is pretty strict about "carry in, carry out." If you leave a mess, goodbye security deposit. Also, keep the glass bottles at home—they’re a hard "no" on the property.
Winter at the Park
Most people pack it up when the snow hits. That's a mistake. Hafner Park Clarkson NY actually stays alive in the winter because of the skating pond.
The town usually turns the lights on from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM once the ice is thick enough. There's something kinda magical about skating under those lights when it’s 20 degrees out. It’s not a polished NHL rink, sure. It’s bumpy. It’s real. But it’s free, and it’s right there.
The "Pebble" Problem and Other Quirks
If you read reviews online, you’ll see one recurring complaint: the playground surface. It’s pea gravel (pebbles). Some parents hate it because it’s not as "stroller-friendly" as poured rubber, and kids end up with rocks in their shoes.
Is it annoying? Maybe. But it’s also classic.
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The park also features a fishing pond that is actually stocked. You won't catch a record-breaking marlin, but for a kid with a basic rod and some worms, it’s perfect. It’s these little overlaps—sports, fishing, skating, and even horse riding—that make the place feel less like a "facility" and more like a backyard for the whole town.
What’s Changing? The Redesign
The town got a grant from the Environmental Protection Fund to overhaul the space. They brought in the MRB Group to figure out how to make the park better. The goal is to make it more walkable and to connect the different sections. Right now, it can feel a bit fragmented. You have the playground over here, the fields over there, and the pond tucked away.
The future of Hafner Park Clarkson NY is looking a lot more integrated. Think better trails and more cohesive spaces for people who aren't just there to play sports.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you're heading out there, here's the deal.
The park is technically open 24 hours, but the facilities and lights have their own schedules. If you’re planning a picnic at the open pavilions, get there early on weekends. They fill up fast, especially during soccer season.
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Bring your own trash bags. Seriously. The "carry in, carry out" policy is the law of the land here. If you bring it, you take it home. This keeps the park clean without the town having to spend a fortune on trash collection, which, honestly, is a pretty fair trade-off.
For those interested in the sports fields, don't just show up with a league. You need to coordinate with the Sweden/Clarkson Recreation Department. They manage the schedule to ensure the grass doesn't get completely destroyed by over-use.
Check the Clarkson Town website before you go if you're looking for the ice rink. They post updates on whether the ice is safe for skating. There’s nothing worse than hauling your skates out there only to find a slushy mess.
Take a walk past the sports fields toward the back. Most people stay near the playground, but the quieter areas near the pond are where you actually get to see the local wildlife. It’s a nice break from the suburban noise of Ridge Road.
Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Ice: If it's winter, visit the Town of Clarkson website to see if the skating pond is officially open.
- Book the Lodge: If you have an event coming up, call the Town Hall at 585-637-1130 to check availability for the Goodwin Lodge.
- Survey the Plans: Look up the Hafner Park Redesign concept maps online to see how the park will change over the next year.