Friends of Van Cortlandt Park Reaction on Recent Shooting in Park
The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park deplores the violence that erupted in the park on May 28th, 2016 at a nighttime party. We have written to the NYPD to call for daily patrols in the park, especially in the nighttime hours. And we are committed to working with both NYPD and NYC Parks to prevent and break-up unauthorized gatherings this summer on both sides of the Park. Van Cortlandt Park is closed after 10 p.m.. Large gatherings (of 20 or more people) require permits from NYC Parks. DJs and drinking alcoholic beverages in the park is never permitted. All of these rules need to be enforced on an ongoing basis throughout the Park.
The park must be a safe place for families and all park visitors; we must fight to keep Van Cortlandt Park safe. The NYPD, NYC Parks, Elected Officials, Community leaders, Block Associations, Community groups, local schools, and individuals all have a role in this vital task.
