Clifton Park

Clifton Park is a town in southern Saratoga County in New York state. Surrounding towns include Halfmoon, Ballston Lake, Rexford, Ballston Spa, Malta, Mechanicville, Round Lake and Burnt Hills. Many people who reside in Clifton Park commute to either Albany (12 miles South), Schenectady (11 miles Southwest) or Saratoga Springs (10 miles North). The town is bordered by the Mohawk River (southern border). Interstate 87 (locals call it “The Northway”) travels in the eastern part of the town. Saratoga county is adjacent to both Albany and Schenectady counties.

According to the census of 2009, there were over 36,400 people residing in Clifton Park. Most of these residences reside within the 12065 zip code.

The public school district covering most of Clifton Park is the Shenendehowa Central School District. “Shen” is one of the largest school systems in the Capital Region (and the largest in Saratoga county) – currently educating over 9,200 students in eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school (divided into 2 campuses). From their website “the school district covers approximately 86 square miles serving families from the communities of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Ballston Lake, Malta, Waterford and Stillwater. In honor of the native people who originated here, the schools are named with Iroquois words. Shenendehowa, for example, means “great plains.”” The school district is currently within the top 20 districts in the Capital Region of New York state.

There are many things to do when in Clifton Park. Clifton Park Center Mall has more than 70 shops including big name stores like Boscov’s, JCPenney, LOFT and Marshalls HomeGoods.They also boast some very unique eateries and boutique shops for fashions, gifts, jewelry. The Clifton Park Center Mall is also the home of the 10 screen Regal Cinema.

Clifton Park is known in the area as a region that offers outdoor entertainment for the whole family (including your pets!) A popular business that offers indoor and outdoor sports access is the SportsPlex of Halfmoon. There are also 2 dog parks in the area – Mary Jane Row and Kinns Road parks. During the summer, Performing Arts at the Clifton Commons offers free, outdoor entertainment on the Clifton Common stage throughout the entire summer. Sunday evenings offer concerts and musicals and Wednesday evenings offer performances just for children.

The town parks and recreation department has recently purchased the Barney Road golf course – “The Town of Clifton Park’s Barney Road Golf Course is excellent for beginner golfers, golfers up to challenging their short game and golfers with limited time. A number of leagues and special events are held at the Barney Road Golf Course throughout the golf season. The golf course is open seven days a week beginning in the spring, weather permitting. The course opens at 8 a.m. daily and closes at varying times throughout the season.” The town also owns and operates 3 town pools for residences use. They are available for a small yearly fee.

Clifton Park also has one of the only skateboard parks operated by a town in the Capital Region. Membership is also available for a yearly fee. Youth activities are a very important aspect of the Clifton Park culture. There are opportunities for involvement in typical sports teams such as football, baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, wrestling and hockey. Clifton Park also hosts the Babe Ruth World Series for boys baseball every four years. It takes place at Clifton Commons facilities. The Clifton Park Soccer Club, Cal Ripken youth baseball leagues and Miss Shen softball. The indoor skating arena at the Commons also offers learn to skate programs, hockey and figure skating. Clifton Common is made up of a Senior Citizen Center and a recreation park – home to many community activities. The park offers residents the use of baseball, softball, and soccer fields as well as outdoor basketball courts and a playground area