Although no longer continuous, the repaved pathways have remained a very popular recreational facility. They still run from Kensico to Hartsdale (5.0 miles); Harney Road in Eastchester to Palmer Road in Bronxville (3.6 miles); and a one mile loop off Oak Street in Mount Vernon. Furthermore, the county sponsors "Bike & Skate Sundays" every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the mild weather months of May, June and September. The parkway drive is closed off to all motorized vehicular traffic for bicycles from the Westchester County Center in White Plains south to Scarsdale Road and from the County Center north to Fisher Lane for in-line skating. Originally criticized by motorist groups, this popular tradition has continued since the early 1970s.(304)

Another noticeable change in the parkway landscape has been the loss of open meadows and carefully planned views. In recent years, parkway authorities have leaned towards a more hands-off, let-nature-take-its-course management policy that has obscured many of the carefully crafted scenic compositions intended by Merkel. In many areas, nature was allowed to reclaim the meadows that the original designers had meticulously planned to provide a pleasing variety of scenic effects. Without regular mowing, the open areas that gave the parkway a pleasing pastoral effect filled in with vegetation. Meadow areas north of White Plains have been diminished in extent through this process of natural succession. Especially troubling to those concerned about the maintenance of native plant communities is the fact that many of the self-seeding plants and grasses are non-native invasive species. Other broad topographical changes have occurred as well. Near North White Plains, wetlands have replaced the intended parkway meadows. Not all these changes can be attributed to natural processes. In some cases, parkway managers have deliberately planted trees in areas that were delineated as open spaces in the original development plans. In some locations, parkway managers have also countenanced the creation of colorful flower gardens and the planting of memorials. While these practices are popular with community members and arguably enliven the parkway landscape, the original designers were adamantly opposed to such ornamental displays on the grounds that they conflicted with the desired naturalistic design policy.

Other changes to the parkway landscape include the siltation of lakes and ponds and an overabundance of Canada geese. For many years, the river was regularly dredged, which helped prevent flooding and preserve open water conditions in the numerous lakes. Since routine dredging stopped, many lakes have begun to silt in. In many locations, formerly open water has given way to mudflats and, in some cases where siltation has been extreme, to islands covered with vegetation. The overpopulation of Canada geese has had a potentially negative effect on native bird species. The geese also produce prodigious quantities of droppings, which foul the lakes and their surroundings. Graffiti has also been a problem throughout the parkway. Littering continues to be a continual maintenance headache.

(304)Conversation with John Fava, retired Westchester County Parks & Planning official, October 2002.