Califon Island Park – A Treasure

By Mike Medea, from the March/ April Califon Crier, prepared in February 2014

As I write this there is a foot or more of snow and ice on the ground. Rest assured, however, warmer days are ahead of us and with them comes increased use of one of the borough’s most treasured assets, CalifonIslandPark. The Parks Committee, Town Council and numerous volunteers have made a concerted effort to improve park conditions and implement enhancements over the past several years. For example, last Memorial Day marked the ribbon cutting for our new playground, our ball fields are in better shape than ever thanks to a maintenance program we enlisted and the VeteransMemorialGarden is a vast improvement to the pavilion landscape. We have taken strides but the wish list does not stop there. We hope to implement several more projects this coming year and beyond.

We are extremely fortunate to have such a valuable asset within walking distance. It is a natural meeting place for Califon residents and our surrounding neighbors. The park is heavily used by young adults, parents with small children, grade school children and residents of all ages.

The Parks Committee is prepared to continue beautification efforts but we need your help. Unfortunately the actions of a few can quickly deteriorate our park’s image and condition. It is frustrating to witness a lack of respect for our town’s park in the form of graffiti and vandalism and it is saddening when park facilities that volunteers have worked so hard to implement are damaged intentionally.  The park belongs to all of us and it is our responsibility to look after it. We need to treasure and care for our local resources, not tear them down and make them less desirable.

In recent history there have been instances where picnic tables, playground equipment, bleachers and signage have been either damaged or tagged with graffiti. This blatant disrespect (and in some instances illegal activity) cannot be allowed to continue. It degrades the condition of our park and it deflates the spirit of hard working volunteers. Furthermore, it diverts much needed funds away from enhancement projects and towards repairs, clean up and replacements. The Parks Committee along with Council has discussed methods to curb vandalism. We have included our police force in on the discussion as well. One option currently on the table is the installation of security cameras. The prevailing opinion is that we would rather focus funds on improvements rather than on security cameras.  Nobody is overly eager to install cameras but it is a step that we are willing to take if conditions do not improve.

We need to pull together as a community and protect one of Califon’s most valuable assets. We need to insist on respect for public property and refuse to accept vandalism of any magnitude. The Parks Committee welcomes your feedback and input. Feel free to reach out to any of our members or to participate in a meeting. Furthermore, if you witness or have knowledge of the occurrences mentioned above please do not hesitate to contact our police force (908-876-3232). Silence and non-action only encourages the behavior to continue.

Spring will be here before we know it. The park will once again be full of activity. Together we can continue to make improvements and ensure that the park will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Last modified: March 28, 2014