Woodstock officials are raising concern about mounting safety risks at Big Deep and Little Deep, the local swimming holes that draw swarms of local and out-of-town visitors in the summer months.
Members of the Woodstock Environmental Commission said at their March 18 meeting that visits to the sites off Zena Road and Route 212 last year revealed troubling environmental impacts and a lack of basic infrastructure, including signage—issues they say remain unresolved heading into the swimming season.
“We found some really alarming concerns,” said Susan Paynter, the commission’s chair. “Burned logs almost right on rock, charcoal thrown into dry leaves, litter, noise, dogs off leash, and no signage.”
During one visit last summer, commissioners counted as many as 62 parked cars.
“It’s a tiny little area,” Paynter said. “You can imagine: 62 cars, two to four people per car, no bathrooms. There’s a lot of pressure on that space.”
The surge in use has but also brought logistical challenges, including blocked driveways and limited access for emergency vehicles. The potential for fires is also worrying.
“For me, fire risk is the most imminent threat,” Paynter said, noting that nearby residents have reported fires.
Other concerns include people jumping from rocks in unmarked areas and off-leash dogs.
“There’s no signage, no safety measures,” she said. “People don’t necessarily know what’s safe or what’s allowed.”
Whatever signage still exists is outdated and in poor condition at both sites.
“Signage is really in disrepair,” said commission member Evan Neumann, who has drafted a letter to the Town Board outlining concerns and proposed solutions.
Neumann said the effort aims to identify where town code can be enforced—and where it may need to be updated. The commission is urging the town to act before crowds return.
Proposals include improved signage, clearer rules and coordination with the town’s developing Parks and Recreation department to create a more consistent approach to managing natural recreation areas. Supervisor Anula Courtis said installing signage at swimming areas will involve coordination among the Complete Streets Committee, the Environmental Commission and the supervisor’s office.
Officials said the goal is to make the area safer and more sustainable, not to restrict access.
“This is about starting a conversation,” Neumann said. “How do we protect the resource while keeping it accessible?”
The commission plans to bring its recommendations to the Town Board and revisit the issue after Earth Week in late April.
For Paynter, the challenge reflects a broader issue.
“We all love these places,” she said. “But we can’t have unmanaged use at this scale.”
Noah Eckstein is the editor-in-chief of The Overlook. Send correspondence to noah@theoverlooknews.com.