Dear North Fork Residents,

Please sign my petition to the Mattituck Park District to reopen and/or begin the equipment replacement work at Veterans Park Playground.

COVID has been challenging on us all, but most of all, on our children. They were ripped out of their routine, taken away from their friends, schools and classes with a limited understanding of why. They proved to us how resilient and adaptable they can be and have been unspoken pillars of strength during this pandemic.

One of the most amazing benefits of living on the North Fork is that we have been able to compensate for some of this loss with the beautiful outdoors, nature, beaches, farms, parks and playgrounds. My family has relied on our outdoor options more than we ever have and are so grateful to the access we have to these options.

Therefore, it is extremely disappointing that Veterans Park Playground has been closed since the start of the pandemic, for 8 months now, with no update as to when it will open. I understand there is certain equipment not up to code that needs to be replaced, but that replacement has not happened and in fact, it seems like no progress has been made at all.

As a town resident who relies on the outdoors for my children and family, I find it extremely disappointing, unfair and unacceptable that the park is being left closed and untouched indefinitely, especially during this time where recreational options for our children are limited. The work should have started by now, or the park could have been reopened with certain areas that require updating roped off so people don't use them.

Sincerely,

Shelly Baruch