סמיט קלאוו פארק - נישט פאר קרית יואל?

Monroe - The Monroe Joint Parks Recreation Commission will implement a photo ID card system for those wishing to use Smith's Clove Park facilities, beginning June 1.

The aim of the system is to reduce incidents of vandalism and overcrowding of park facilities, especially during peak season.
Monroe Joint Parks Recreation Director Joe Mancuso holds an identification card, the likes of which will be required for park use starting June 1.

''This has been in discussion for about two years,'' Park Commission Chairman Tony Cardone said. ''And we now have in place the proper computer equipment and security personnel to make it the success the residents deserve.''

Photo ID's will be distributed free to residents, 14 and over, of the unincorporated Town of Monroe and the Village of Monroe. Those 13 and under will need to be accompanied by a card-carrying adult unless they are registered in a league sanctioned by the Joint Recreation Commission.

Proper identification and proof of residency will be required in order to receive the card, and residents will have the option of having their cards processed during the upcoming YAC registrations.

''We planned it for the convenience of those residents with young children - the age that will most likely be major patrons of the park. And getting the photo taken and printing the card should only add a few minutes to the YAC registration process,'' Cardone said. ''We ask that you be patient with the park staff as they get the system rolling.''

ID Committee members Steve Pavia, Marie Goodwin and MJ Goff, along with new Recreation Director Joe Mancuso, will offer convenient office hours so that Monroe residents can get their ID photos taken and receive their card.

''This program has been requested by the village and town boards for many years,'' Goodwin said, ''to make sure the facilities are used by the people who pay for them.''

Other park projects in the works include reconfiguring the parking areas, adding programs for all ages, setting up hiking trails and completing the survey of the park's back 40 acres on Forest Road. Funding for all Smith's Clove Park projects, including the ID system, comes from both the Town and Village of Monroe.

Residents will be given the full list of ID policies at the time they receive the card and can also access the park's new Web site, www.smithsclovepark.com, to get additional information on the summer camp (YAC) trips and upcoming events.

The card must be carried at all times as security personnel will be checking for them, and those who do not have a card will be asked to vacate the premises.

''We take this system very seriously,'' said Mancuso, ''and in order for it to work, we will have to be extremely diligent about following the rules and regulations.''

This also means that the 2006 summer marks the last opportunity for residents of the village of Harriman and Kiryas Joel will be able to participate in the YAC program. Thereafter, the Photo ID will be required to register for all park programs.

Cardone, the commission chairman, invited residents to attend the park meetings to voice concerns, offer suggestions and to get involved. The group, which also includes John Battaglia, Rich Goldstein, Ed Leonard, Ann Marie Morris, Ginny O'Neill, Park Manager Paul Truax and Secretary Priscilla Staley, meets on the fourth Monday of the month.

For more information, call the park phone line at 783-9108.

Summer camp registration

The YAC Summer Camp will run from July 5 through Aug. 11. Registration will be held in the park office at Smith's Clove Park during these times:

June 1 from 7-9 p.m.

June 3 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

June 6 from 7-9 p.m.

YAC registrations can also be made each day now through June 9 from noon to 3 p.m., with special late hours on Wednesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Bring proof of residency and your child's immunization documents. Details for the Summer Basketball League, scheduled to begin in June, will be announced shortly


http://www.strausnews.com/articles/2006/05/05/photo_news/news/2pn.txt