Experiencing Déjà vu

Written by Councilman Mike Medea

As I sit here mulling over ideas for a Crier article, I am once again drawn to writing about our beloved Island Park. I am currently a liaison to the Parks Committee but my involvement with the committee and the park spans more than 10 years. Throughout those years I have been fortunate to work with many dedicated & hardworking volunteers to make significant enhancements to the park.

As I set out to compose my article I opened up my article from almost exactly two years ago and low and behold it echoes the identical content I was contemplating. It discusses accomplished projects, hardworking volunteers, plans for the future and unfortunately vandalism………..

Califon Island Park – A Small Town Treasure
Originally written: 2-17-14

As I write this there is a foot or more of snow and ice on the ground. Rest assured, however, warmer days are ahead of us and with them comes increased use of one of the borough’s most treasured assets, Califon Island Park. The Parks Committee, Town Council and numerous volunteers have made a concerted effort to improve park conditions and implement enhancements over the past several years. For example, last Memorial Day marked the ribbon cutting for our new playground, our ballfields are in better shape than ever thanks to a maintenance program we enlisted and the Veterans Memorial Garden is a vast improvement to the pavilion landscape. We have taken strides but the wish list does not stop there. We hope to implement several more projects this coming year and beyond.

We are extremely fortunate to have such a valuable asset within walking distance. It is a natural meeting place for Califon residents and our surrounding neighbors. The park is heavily used by young adults, parents with small children, grade school children and residents of all ages. The Parks Committee is prepared to continue beautification efforts but we need your help.

Unfortunately the actions of a few can quickly deteriorate our park’s image and condition. It is frustrating to witness a lack of respect for our town’s park in the form of graffiti and vandalism and it is saddening when park facilities that volunteers have worked so hard to implement are damaged intentionally. The park belongs to all of us and it is our responsibility to look after it. We need to treasure and care for our local resources, not tear them down and make them less desirable. In recent history there have been instances where picnic tables, playground equipment, bleachers and signage have been either damaged or tagged with graffiti. This blatant disrespect (and in some instances illegal activity) cannot be allowed to continue. It degrades the condition of our park and it deflates the spirit of hard working volunteers. Furthermore, it diverts much needed funds away from enhancement projects and towards repairs, clean up and replacements.

The Parks Committee along with Council have discussed methods to curb vandalism. We have included our police force in on the discussion as well. One option currently on the table is the installation of security cameras. The prevailing opinion is that we would rather focus funds on improvements rather than on security cameras. Nobody is overly eager to install cameras but it is a step that we are willing to take if conditions do not improve. We need to pull together as a community and protect one of Califon’s most valuable assets. We need to insist on respect for public property and refuse to accept vandalism of any magnitude.

The Parks Committee welcomes your feedback and input. Feel free to reach out to any of our members or to participate in a meeting. Furthermore, if you witness or have knowledge of the occurrences mentioned above please do not hesitate to contact our police force. Silence and non-action only encourages the behavior to continue. Spring will be here before we know it. The park will once again be full of activity. Together we can continue to make improvements and ensure that the park will be enjoyed for generations to come.

As was true two years ago, we continue to improve the amenities in the park but the frustration of vandalism is still lurking. For instance, last year we added a gazebo with seating near the playground. Unfortunately the gazebo is continually vandalized and the banisters have been kicked in on more than one occasion. This is only one example but it highlights what the Parks Committee is contending with. However, the committee will continue to make Califon Island Park the best it can be.

A few of the projects being discussed are a pavilion makeover, park signage and a new guardrail. The Parks Committee is looking forward to implementing these projects and it is my sincerest hope that vandalism does not deflate our enthusiasm and that this article can be archived for good.

Last modified: March 2, 2016