Security Needed at Inwood Park, Civic Says

Members of the Inwood Civic Association said they’re concerned that has fallen into a state of disarray due to a lack of use by residents who worry about safety there.

“Many residents have opted to not use the park simply because there is no security,” said Patty Vacchio, the civic’s recording secretary. “Why does Inwood Park not have security, no guards checking leisure passes, while other county parks do?”

Other concerns about the 16-acre park at the end of Bayview Avenue include poorly maintained bathrooms that lack toilet paper and a lack of lighting. Occasionally, people drive motorbikes and ATVs onto the park’s fields, according to one civic member.

Pete Sobol, a member of the civic, succinctly summarized the park’s issues when he said, “It’s a manpower issue.”

According to a county spokesperson, however, only one complaint about graffiti has been made to police at the park. She added that Fourth Precinct and public security officers “do patrol the park on a daily basis and county employees have a presence seven days a week.”

But Seventh District Legislator Howard Kopel, R-Lawrence, said more must be done.

“The police seem to think that things are going along fine, but people are complaining. Clearly, they’re not fine,” he said. “I hope the police will be more vigilant and I encourage residents to report instances [of crime].”

And although the county is in poor fiscal shape, Kopel said money should be set aside for improving lighting at the park.

“If it’s a safety issue, we’ll have to do it,” he said. “We can’t skimp in certain areas.”