On a walk from Rye Town Park to the Playland Pier on a fine morning last weekend, many park “regulars” were troubled by the fact that there is only one open access gate to the end of the pier. The other three are blocked by restaurant equipment and furnishings belonging to the Tiki Bar.
This poses not only a safety concern but prompted us to contact both Rye Mayor Josh Cohn and County Executive George Latimer. The Mayor joined us on the Pier. He was surprised to see what neighbors have long called “the creeping commercialization” — beer logos, totems on the poles of the landmarked park.
As more than one neighbor of the park has stated: Playland is a public park, to be enjoyed by all, and not encroached upon by the Tiki Bar, which has a long-term license from the County but not a license to do what it wishes on County property.
Both Cohn and Latimer said they would look into the matter.
- Photos by Robin Jovanovich
