Frear Park is a large public park in Troy, New York, with two lakes, a golf course, sports facilities and historic landscape features. It is about 46.2 miles from Lake View Inn Lake George in Lake George, offering a change of scene beyond the village.
- Location: Troy, New York
- Park setting: Wright Lake, Bradley Lake and Piscawan Kill
- Golf: 18 holes, with tee times bookable online or through the pro shop
Where Frear Park Is and Why Visit
Frear Park is one of Troy’s three major public parks, laid out around lakes, lawns and winding paths. The William H. Frear family donated the land to the city in 1917, requiring it to remain for public use and carry the Frear Park name.
The landscape has a distinct history. In 1919, landscape architect Charles Downing Lay planned a primary entrance on Oakwood Avenue, with curving drives and pedestrian paths around the lakes and lawns. The park’s fountain dates to 1924, and its classical pavilion to 1925.
Wright Lake and Bradley Lake are crossed by Piscawan Kill, giving the grounds a mix of open space and water. The park suits a day trip when you want to combine time outdoors with recreation facilities rather than focus on a single landmark.
How do you get from Lake George to Frear Park?
I-87, the Adirondack Northway, is the principal highway serving Lake George.
If you are arranging the Lake George portion of the trip, getting around Lake George by foot, car or local transport can help you plan the start of your day.
Lake George village has its own sights and visitor essentials, a useful way to plan the local part of your outing.
The Lake George Village guide covers its streets and attractions.
Park Features and Nearby Places
Frear Park brings together lakes, recreation spaces and a golf course within one city park. The City of Troy lists fields, a hockey rink, tennis courts, a playground, a nature trail, a pagoda, a pro shop and restaurant among its facilities. Its parks amenities table also includes picnic areas and a spray pool.
The golf course is an 18-hole, par-71 layout measuring 6,208 yards. John S. Melville designed its original nine holes in the 1930s, and Robert Trent Jones Sr. added nine holes in 1964.
If golf is part of your plan, book a tee time online or call the Frear Park pro shop at 518-270-4553; availability may be limited during scheduled events or tournaments.
The golf course address is 2701 Lavin Court, Troy, NY 12180. That address is useful for locating the course, though the park’s facilities extend beyond the golfing area.
Access, Facilities, and Seasonal Details
Frear Park’s golf course opens in April and operates from 7 a.m. to dusk; those hours apply to golf, not necessarily to the entire park. General park opening and closing hours are not established, so check the official site before you go, especially if your plans depend on a particular facility being open.
Frear Park’s 1917 donation provisions also called for preserving the estate fountain, maintaining Frear Avenue and allowing a gateway or memorial at Frear Avenue and 15th Street. The city identifies park rules, so check its guidance for access requirements and facility-specific details before your visit.
FAQs
What can you do at Frear Park?
You can visit the lakes and nature trail, use recreation facilities, or play the 18-hole golf course. The park also has fields, tennis courts and a playground.
When does the Frear Park golf course open?
The golf course opens in April and operates from 7 a.m. to dusk. These are course hours, not general park hours.
Can you book a tee time at Frear Park?
Yes. Tee times may be booked online or by calling the pro shop at 518-270-4553. Availability may be limited during scheduled events or tournaments.