Rye, NY - The Rye Town Park Commission (RTPC) is holding its third “community conversations” meeting on Saturday, October 8th at 10 a.m.

The meeting will be held at the South Pavilion by the east end of Dearborn Avenue.  Parking is free.

The previous “conversations” meeting were held in April, and September of 2010, and they attracted about 150 people, representing a wide variety of interests and points-of-view.

The purpose of the October 8th meeting, according to RTPC chair Joseph Carvin “is to provide the public and all stakeholders in the park an opportunity to share with RTPC members their thoughts on the 2011 operations of the park and what additional changes if any the public would like to see implemented going forward.”

Carvin noted that over the 2010 and 2011 season the Park has implemented significant changes in the parking procedures and fee structures, in response to community concerns regarding safety and the environment.  The higher fees for non-residents were designed to help bring the park’s finances to a “break even” level.  This year the beach access fee for permit holders was eliminated.

Other changes included accepting credit card payments for season permits, using wrist bands to monitor beach access, and combining the supervision of parking and security under new security chief Joe Nieto.  Very close attention was paid to keeping personnel costs to the minimum required for efficient operation.

Rye City Mayor Doug French and the City Council have created a Rye Town Park Advisory Committee, and it is expected that several members of the committee will be in attendance.  Members of the Friends of Rye Town Park will also be on hand.

The Commission intends to use the feedback from the meeting in helping it design a more focused strategic plan for the park going forward.

For further information call Rye Town Hall at 914 939-3075 ext 101.