GENESEO – The Town Board took the first step toward revitalizing Long Point Park on Thursday as they unanimously passed 18 new park rules and regulations which have been developed by the Long Point Park Committee.

The Committee presented their progress thus far to the Town Board at a special meeting at the Long Point Park pavilion, giving special thanks to committee members including Bob Brennan, Margaret Duff, Georgene Ehmann, Patti LaVigne, Joanne Harris, Ken Hathaway, and Cathy Fitzimmons.

“Before organizing the committee, we had no long-term vision for how we would see the park used and how it would serve the community,” said LaVigne, member of both the Town Board and the Long Point Park committee. “We now have set goals, objectives, and recommendations that are ready to go to phase two, where we move forward with a formal public survey. We hope to tie the master plan together by the end of the year.”

The goals and objectives were developed by feedback from 49 residents from in and around Geneseo. They are to maintain Long Point Park as a town park according to the state guidelines, create a multi-use facility and environment, make the park self-sustaining, increase park utilization, maintain and improve waterfront activities, study and ensure safety and security of the park, make Long Point Park a destination location, and preserve the park’s history.

Long Point Park Committee members said that following the passing of these regulations, specific actions and objectives of the master plan will be developed, and a steering committee will be formed to coordinate restoration project.

The new rules and regulations, which will soon be available on the Town website, are as follows:

1. No person shall disturb the peace and good order.

2. No person shal pedddle or solicit within the park without a permit from the Town.

3. No person, except a peace officer, shall haveor carry any dangerous weapons, concealed or otherwise, within the park.

4. No person shall carry, fire or discharge any firearm, use any bow or arrow, nor engage in trapping or hunting in the park.

5. No person shall cause damage to any vegetation, building, notice board, billboard, or any other facility within the park.

6. All items brought into the park by users shall be removed by those users.

7. No person shall harass or uneccessarily disturb any waterfowl, birds, or animals within the park.

8. No person shall be admitted in the park outside of normal hours of operation.

9. No person shall picnic or cook in any area not designed for that purpose by the Geneseo Town Board or make or kindle any fire except in the places provided. No person shall use a grill on a picnic table or grass.

10. No person shall post or display any sign, banner, advertisement, or notice of any sort within the park without prior permission of the Town Board.

11. Dogs or cats must be kept on a leash and are not allowed to enter the water. As per New York State Health Law, pet owners shall pick up any “deposits” left by their animal(s).

12. No person shall abuse the use of alcohol within the park.

13. No person shall bring into or use any illegal substances.

14. No person shall staple tablecloths to picnic tables within the park without the authorization from the Geneseo Town Board.

15. No person shall erect a tent within the park without the authorization from the Geneseo Town Board.

16. Only a person who has been authorized by the Geneseo Town Board, or who has been issued a handicapped permit or handicapped license plate, shall ride a motorized vehicle such as a moped or golf cart within the park.

17. Smoking is permitted in designated areas only.

18. No sale of alcohol without approval from the Geneseo Town Board.