Town says no upgrades for Julian Lane Park
by Laraine A. Milazzo
Merrick residents sought action for the Julian Lane Park at the March meeting of the South Merrick Community Civic Association. As explained by Jodi Turk-Goldberg who heads the association’s subcommittee on parks, there is a lot to be desired at Julian Lane.
“Why is this park the way it is?” Ms. Goldberg said that the dirty sandbox contained broken glass. Though the park’s equipment is geared toward toddlers and the younger set, older children vie to use the same equipment. When the two ages collide on the jungle gym, it can only mean injury.
Ms. Goldberg continued the list of safety issues by adding that the fences were rusting and had holes in them. The swings accommodated younger children, while no swings were available to older kids.
One mom said that she moved to a home near the park when she had little ones. Now the same children, pre-teens, have nothing to do there. She asked that curb cuts be provided so that children could ride their bikes into the park. Without the curb cuts children are often injured trying to jump the curbs, she added.
Ms. Goldberg requested age-appropriate playground equipment for both the younger and older children of the neighborhood.
Adding to the complaints, Ms. Goldberg said that open, wire garbage receptacles attracted numerous bees and their stingers in the summertime.
Residents asked for repairs to the cracked concrete in the park and sought amenities such as rest rooms and picnic tables. One mother said that she often sees youngsters urinating in the park.
On hand to address concerns was Robert Ward, district supervisor of the Town of Hempstead’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
Mr. Ward said that town Councilwoman Angie Cullin had asked him to attend the meeting. “I’m here to listen to your concerns and requests,” said Mr. Ward.
He told residents that upgrades such as bathrooms were not in the town budget for this year or the next. He said that the Julian Lane Park was done eight or nine years ago and that existing equipment was all that was requested at the time.
A former Bellmore resident who had moved to Merrick said that a comparison of the parks in both towns displayed a vast contrast. In addition, when she found anti-Semitic graffiti at the Julian Lane Park, she took photos and sent them to the Town of Hempstead. Nothing was done about the graffiti. The lack of cleanup enraged some residents.
One homeowner told Mr. Ward that if the anti-semitic graffiti was not cleaned up by Saturday, he would call the Anti-defamation League. “It must be removed immediately,” demanded the resident.
The same man said that newspapers would be notified of the graffiti and the lack of response to the affront. His voice grew louder as he confronted Mr. Ward.
The district supervisor said he had just learned of the graffiti and assured residents the matter would be addressed immediately. [A town crew removed graffiti on Friday and cleaned the sandbox, Mr. Baker told Merrick Life this week.]
Another Merrick resident, an attorney, told Mr. Ward that the town had been put on notice and would receive a list of safety issues concerning the park and its equipment, making the town liable for injuries.
Mr. Ward reiterated that though an upgrade was not planned, safety issues would be addressed. He extended an invitation to Ms. Goldberg to meet at the park and review the problems.
A number of residents wanted to know the process involved for effecting change. Joe Baker, president of the South Merrick Community Civic Association, responded that the association was formed to address concerns of residents.
Mr. Ward agreed that the association should voice complaints to the Town of Hempstead. He suggested residents write to the town, sign petitions and send them to their councilwoman. All major capital improvements must be passed by the town board.
Mr. Baker rallied members by telling them they must put the pressure on the town.
A homeowner complained that sometimes the park isn’t locked at night while at other times park employees are slow to open the locked gates.
Mr. Baker reminded residents that there is strength in numbers and urged them to tell their neighbors to join the association to assist in getting things accomplished. He said he had taken photos of some of the Bellmore parks (photos were on display in the meeting room) and said, It’s like day and night,” in comparison to Merrick’s parks. “We do need your support,” urged Mr. Baker.
Berta Weinstein, SMCCA secretary and a member of the board, echoed the president’s pleas. “This is a community effort,” she said. County Legislator Dave Denenberg told residents to attend Town Board meetings to make their concerns known. “I’ll go with you,” said Mr. Denenberg. He urged homeowners to continue to attend meetings and persevere in their pursuits by telling town board members to “put Julian Lane on your capital plan.”
He stressed that Merrick residents should send letters to town Supervisor Kate Murray and to their councilwoman.
Mr. Baker agreed and said he would obtain meeting dates and advise residents. He told Merrick Life that Ms. Goldberg and other SMCCA members will attend the Town board meeting on tuesday, April 8, at 10:30 a.m.