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North Fork to State: ‘Save our park’


Suffolk County Legislator Ed Romaine gets protesters worked up at a rally to persuade the state to keep Orient Beach State Park open.

“If the state doesn’t come to its senses, the people of Orientwill take back what is theirs, Suffolk County Legislator Ed Romainetold some 150 people who braved brisk winds and the cold on Mondayfor a rally at Orient Beach State Park to demand that the parkremain open.

Orient is among six Long Island parks targeted for closing bythe state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation,while five more would see cutbacks in activities, all to close a$30 million gap in the parks office budget.

It costs $400,000 a year to operate Orient Beach State Park andit brings in annual revenues of $300,000, Mr. Romaine said.

“For $100,000, they would close this park, Mr. Romaine said,drawing boos aimed at the state decision-makers from the crowd ofpark supporters.

The park is an economic engine for the North Fork, said SylviaDaley, owner of Quintessential Bed & Breakfast. “Shutting downthis park is shutting down revenues, she said, adding that peopleare drawn to inns like hers in East Marion because of the park andits beaches.

“We can’t jump on a jet plane and go someplace else, Bob DeLucaof the Group for the East End said, speaking of the role the parkplays in the lives of local residents.

“Our economy is driven by the environment, he said. “We can’tlet this stand; we have to let the government know this park muststay open.

The people of Orient maintained the area as a park until 1929,when they deeded it to the state. If it can’t be maintained,Southold should take it back, Councilman Al Krupski Jr. said at therally.

The town has its own fiscal crisis and it’s unclear how it mightprovide for park maintenance.

Mr. Romaine called on area residents to write letters to theparks department, the governor and state legislators and to reachout to national environmental groups to add their voices and”credibility to the effort to save the park. Seevideo.