Letter: How Rye Town Park is Governed 

To the Editor: 

Thank you for the recent positive coverage of Rye Town Park and its beach. We are fortunate to have such a unique community space. A few clarifications may be helpful on how the park is governed and funded. 

Per N.Y. State law, the park is governed by a six-member Rye Town Park Commission, not the Rye Town Council. The Commission consists of: the Rye Town Supervisor (serving as president), the Mayor of Port Chester, the Mayor of Rye Brook, the Mayor of Rye, an appointee of the Rye Mayor, and an appointee of the Rye Town Supervisor, who must be a resident of the Mamaroneck portion of the Town of Rye. 

Each year, the park aims to break even or better, but when there’s a deficit operationally, the City of Rye and the Town of Rye share the responsibility based on a state-set formula. The park also reimburses the Town for staff time dedicated to park operations. If there is ever a surplus, park revenues do not flow into the Town of Rye’s budget. 

In recent years, the City of Rye has been called on more often to help address long-deferred capital needs. Again, per N.Y. State law, the City of Rye and the Town of Rye bear all capital costs at the park in proportions dictated by state law. To ensure transparency, Mayor Josh Cohn of Rye has consistently invited the commission president to present during annual Rye City Council budget hearings. 

The city, like the town, is enormously grateful to the Friends of Rye Town Park for their efforts and generosity in beautification and restoration of the park and also to all the sources of grants and aid that are making park restoration and accessibility possible.  

––Emily Hurd, Rye Town Park commissioner