Preventing Repeat Of Rockland State Park Mayhem

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Last year the July 4 holiday was a madhouse around Rockland Lake State Park. A massive influx of people in cars overwhelmed the parking lot and the neighborhoods near the entrances.

Drivers parked illegally, even blocking each other in, the roads were snarled, ambulances couldn't get through.

This year, preparations are underway to prevent a repeat, Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann announced.

After the madness last July, local and county officials held several meetings with representatives of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, law enforcement, emergency responders, state representatives and representatives from town governments. A comprehensive plan was created and implemented with success during the Labor Day 2018 and Memorial Day 2019 holidays.

“We have every expectation that the mayhem that occurred last year on the Fourth of July will not be repeated,” said Day. “Zero tolerance will be the order of the day with tow trucks at the ready to deal with any violators. I thank all of the organizations and municipalities that have worked together to prepare for this holiday and look forward to a day of enjoyment at this gem of Rockland County.”

Rockland County is host to several New York state parks that are very popular with folks from out of town.

Rockland Lake, for example, is accessed by two entrances on Route 9W adjacent to residential areas. During most times of the year, this does not create any issues, however during times of heavy park use, especially during July 4th and the period just before and after the pool and park usually exceeds its capacity, officials said.

To alleviate these issues prior to potential heavy use days, the Clarkstown Police Department will:

• Post no parking restrictions on local roads in the neighborhoods by both the north and south entrances to Rockland Lake State Park.
• Post no parking signs on the road adjacent to the entrance of Hi-Tor State Park.
• Assist the park staff to direct traffic as needed.
• Use their variable message signs to inform park attendees of parking restrictions.
• Notify local tow truck companies that they may be called during peak days.

New York State Parks and Park Police will:

• Implement improved process for vehicles entering Rockland Lake State Park to alleviate issues on the surrounding road network.

• Park staff will monitor park attendance and advise the NY State Park Police of when the park will be closed (Park capacity is approximately 3,000 cars, the decision to close would be made when the on-site parking capacity is above 90% to allow sufficient time for patrons outside of the immediate vicinity enough time to alter their plans and those in the immediate area time to be able to get in).
• Update the park website to reflect current conditions at the parks.
• Park staff will use NYAlert for park closure notifications.
• A dispatcher from the NYS Park Police will operate out of the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division (44-Control).
• NYS Park Police will increase staffing levels during times of heavy park use.

County of Rockland will:

• The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will assign officers to Rockland Lake State Park.
• Upon notification from the New York State Park Police RC Sheriff’s Communication Division will follow section 200.90 of their procedure and notify all county police agencies and selected county staff according to above procedure.
• The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit will operate within Rockland Lake State Park to assist with crowd control.
• If needed the Mobile Communications vehicle will be deployed to assist with onsite communications.

Additional measures have been undertaken to improve communication and coordination between these agencies and others to prepare for and respond to heavy use days at all parks within Rockland County.

“I want to thank the Clarkstown Police Department for coordinating public safety and enforcement efforts with other agencies to ensure that the residents of Clarkstown can also enjoy a relaxing, peaceful Independence Day," Hoehmann said.