Opinion

Parking at Rye Town Park

 To the Editor,

A funny thing happened on the way to Oakland Beach on Sunday, July 9 at about 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Cars were lined up all the way up Dearborn Avenue, none of which could gain access to the parking area. Wow, I thought, did every one in Westchester decided to go for a swim today?

It was a really beautiful day. The cars were filled with families all hoping to take their children to the beach. But the Rye Town Park Commission, in its infinite wisdom, decided to rent out the pavilion area to a huge wedding which included saved parking spots for all the wedding guests, denying parents and children a day out for family fun.

The commission continues to see the facilities at Oakland Beach as a “Cash Cow” in direct violation of its bylaws which states many times that Rye Town Park’s purpose is to allow the PEOPLE unfettered access to the waters of Long Island Sound. Furthermore, the bylaws state that the commissioners do NOT have the power do lease any privileges which deny the PEOPLE full enjoyment of the waters of Long Island Sound. Allowing special parking for the renters of the pavilion certainly seems to be denying beachgoers.

Parking should always be on a first-come, first-served basis. But in the interest of making MONEY, maybe they can convince their friends in the state government to amend that bylaw, too. The beat continues on Monday, July 10. The lot nearest to the beach was closed with signs saying for authorized cars only. When I questioned this, I was told by security they had to save spaces for 50 volleyball players who were coming at 5 p.m.; it was then early afternoon. Volleyball players? Commissioners, get your priorities right.

Diane Horner,

Mamaroneck