2 days ago
‘We want our park back': Ontario Beach Park visitors react to new security measures
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Although Ontario Beach Park remains a popular summer destination for many across Rochester, some have expressed worries following a fight which broke out there last week. This resulted in a man's arrest for possessing an illegal gun with a high-capacity magazine while at the park.
News 8 spoke with folks attending the weekly 'Concerts by the Shore' series about their reaction to last week's fight.
John & Mary DeGrazia, both city residents, say they've attended concerts in the park every year for the last 37 years and have never felt unsafe.
'The years that we've come here, we've never seen a fight, ever,' John said. 'I was kind of surprised to see and hear about it.'
The disruption caused by the fight has frustrated many, including city resident Kim Canton.
'We come here and meet some wonderful people, and for these other people to come in and ruin for us, it's a terrible shame,' Canton said.
In response to the safety concerns, county leaders announced changes in patrol and security procedures at the park. This includes an increased law enforcement presence and the installation of four gates at entry and exit points.
Mary Ann Newland, who has attended Concerts by the Shore for many years, expressed worry that these measures won't be enough.
'I think that the older folks, if they get shut out by the gates, they're not going to come back,' Newland said. 'They also want to close off the parking lot, but I don't see that working because a lot of these kids come on busses.'
Others, including Ontario Beach Park Committee Member Fred Amato, thinks the county's response is necessary.
'If more people come here and think they're going to take the park over, acting like idiots, I think the police are going to be doing something they should be doing,' Amato said. 'We want our park back. It's our park, it belongs to all of us.'
More details about the new gates to be installed at Ontario Beach Park can be found here.
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