What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Readers want 'crazy'
park ban benched



BY TANYANIKA SAMUELS
DAILY NEWS WRITER

The verdict is in and most New Yorkers - at least those who took the Daily News' informal poll yesterday - think the law banning adults without children from some city parks is "crazy."
"This whole idea is just absurd!" wrote one angry New Yorker in response to The News' story about a woman ticketed for sitting on a park bench in a Manhattan playground.

Cops cited Sandra Catena, a 47-year-old belly dancer, on Saturday as she sat in Rivington Playground on Forsyth St.

A sign at the entrance of the playground cites several prohibitions, including: "Adults Except in the Company of Children." Catena said she did not see it.

After confronting the woman for sitting in the playground alone, the two officers issued her a summons.

Catena now faces 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted. Her case goes to court in November.

E-mail responses to the story poured into The News. Most called the law "an outrage," "ridiculous" and "discriminating."

"We pay our taxes. We have the right to sit anywhere in the park we want to!" wrote one woman.

One incensed New Yorker called for a revolution of sorts.

"What needs to happen now is for people to descend on these parks en masse [leave the kids home] and sit on the benches," wrote Raymond of Manhattan.

Still, nearly a third of the three dozen responders said they agreed with police and parks officials who said the law was in place to protect children from pedophiles.

"It is wonderful to designate safe areas for children and those who do not belong there must learn not to use those facilities," one woman wrote. Another quipped, "If you're that tired, walk into a deli, buy something small and sit down."

One man hailed the police officers for their quick response.

"Let's give credit where credit is due. The woman was ticketed 'within minutes' of sitting alone on the bench. Great response by police," wrote Tom, of Matawan, N.J.

But not everyone was as kind.

"Let's get real," wrote one annoyed New Yorker. "The doughnut break is over, boys, let's get back to work!"


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Now I can understand, not drinking or cursing in a park. But as a person who takes their lunch outside, I think this is obsurd and going to far. I love babies, I love kids. To sit outside for 30 minutes on a bench around happy kids, that is illegal? If anything I am guilty of stalking bugaboos for what color I want. What's next no going to dog parks unless you have one?

I think this is something that goes along with city living. If you want a private backyard then move.

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

OMG!! Its a miracle!! All the crime in the city is done! No drugs! No murder! No robbery! No rape! No terrorism!! It is truly a blessed day!!!!! No all we have to worry about is those damn park loiterers!!

but be serious, come on - how can you discriminate against people without children in parks. I go to central park all the time, and I have no kids. If I want to rest I have to go to a deli and by something and sit down??!!!!! Come on!!! If I pay my taxes, I should be able to sit down in any public place I please.

I know what the goal is- but I got news for you- predators can meet kids anywhere! Outside schools, in arcades, online. This is really disgusting.

Message edited 9/28/2005 12:11:50 PM.

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

I actually saw that on Sunday, I think it's ludricuous.
Parks should be enjoyed by everyone, unless they are doing something illegal then i would see the point to it.

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

That is RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If it's a PUBLC park that WE pay to have taken care of with our taxes...why can't we sit there????

This is just stupid.

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

stupid

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

In once sense, I think it's ludicrous.

But I think I might feel differently if I were a parent and some guy was just hanging out in a playground (not just a park...the actual play area) watching my kid playing.

If this law prevents just one child from getting hurt/abducted/etc, then I don't think it's the worse law we have in NYC.


ETA..that since it is a law, signs should be prominently posted and a warning would be appropriate before reaching the summons/court stage.

Message edited 9/28/2005 12:19:33 PM.

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

This makes me want to go to a park with some kid (maybe 10-14 years old)... and just "moon" everybody there just to piss them off.

Hey... i am not breaking the law because I have my 13 year old "son" with me.

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Posted by MrsERod

Posted by Janice

"Let's give credit where credit is due. The woman was ticketed 'within minutes' of sitting alone on the bench. Great response by police," wrote Tom, of Matawan, N.J.

is he freaking kidding me??????????? the woman was sitting on a park bench!!!! since when is that a crime?????? give me a break!!!

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Posted by DjPiLL

This makes me want to go to a park with some kid (maybe 10-14 years old)... and just "moon" everybody there just to piss them off.

Hey... i am not breaking the law because I have my 13 year old "son" with me.

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Posted by Leeners

Posted by MrsERod

Posted by Janice

"Let's give credit where credit is due. The woman was ticketed 'within minutes' of sitting alone on the bench. Great response by police," wrote Tom, of Matawan, N.J.

is he freaking kidding me??????????? the woman was sitting on a park bench!!!! since when is that a crime?????? give me a break!!!

I'm pretty sure he was being sarcastic

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

This is an absurd way to deal with predators. People can watch kids from outside the park, from restaurants, outside schools, the street, an arcade- anywhere- why single out parks. Its like saying no photos in the subway. For every 1 potential threat, you are really getting about 1000 tourists. The ends just don't justify the means. Its just not effective.

If people are so concerned with predators, why don't they check their local police website. All people wiht sexual arrests have to register in the county they live in with the police. How many people really check??

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

I feel like, are you really going to suspect the guy who sits on the bench 30 minutes everyday, or the stranger who pops up for a second. Is a law really going to stop kids getting taken from parks?

Is there really a serious problem of kids taken at parks? Is there an epidemic or something? And if kids are taken, I bet they were there unsupervised.

That is what the sign should read. Parents of unsupervised kids will be fined.

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

not to be capt bring dwon, but whats to stop someone their with a child from taking another child?? its not just the odd older man that they should be on the look out for...i think its a stupid law.

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

how about museums, and zoos?? are grown adults not allowed in unless they're accompanied with children????

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

I'm thinking we should just tatoo predators on the forehead or tag them like ducks so we can let kids play in peace & not worry about them.

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids

Re: What do you think of this? People at parks without kids