Last week, TLS reported about an incident with Hatzolah and other organizations involving security at Ocean County Park.
Today, a local resident shared an incident that occurred yesterday evening at the park.
The resident shared, that at about 7:00 PM, his daughter was walking with her newborn in the park. As she approached the exit to leave, before the official dusk closing time, she sees park security shutting the gates and locking them, locking her inside the park.
She began to panic and called her father, who in turn began making phone calls to see how to get her out.
“She was hysterical and was contemplating handing her baby over the fence to a passer-bye while she was going to climb the fence,” the father told TLS.
Luckily, several minutes later she called back her father to tell him she had found a hole in the fence and managed to get out. But the incident shook her up.
“This is unacceptable,” the resident said. “I don’t know if the security officer saw her or not, but the least he should have done is check to make sure he wasn’t locking someone inside. They must be held accountable, and something must change.”
In an earlier incident, a local emergency organization who was assisting in searching for a missing child was told by a park security officer that they would purposely lock the gates, despite being told about the missing child, and efforts to locate him.
Officials have been made aware of yesterday’s incident.
Was this by lake Shanadoa? I’ve been there lots their disgusting workers. always upset.
Moral of the story:
Do not get in between a public union worker & his time off !
The Ocean county parks crew has been very aggressive towards the patrons when it comes close to closing time. This incident should be investigated because the woman and child were illegal imprisonment and the park ranger put the 2 people in a dangerous situation (endangerment). This should be a crime.
Closing time? Really? That’s your excuse? The park rangers are hungry for dinner & a beer so that’s why they’re aggressive? It seems these stories are happening at all hours of the day… Where are the authorities? “But no one “died” so why should we have to investigate?” Thank G-d this woman wasn’t assaulted if you know what I mean… Also is anyone who is not jewish getting harassed as well? Just a wondering…
Eh, I was there at the park last night. At 6:55, A guy came around in a pick up and told everyone firmly but politely that the park closes at 7. “which is now” he claimed. It was 6:52, but I get it, he’s trying to close up.
Side Note: It’s weird to me that the park closes at 7 (if this guys claim is true). Sunset isn’t til 7:12 or so. It’s also weird that there’s no big sign stating this at the entrance.
It’s also even more strange that the park closes altogether. I understand that it’s probably state policy, but just imagine if the park had lighting at night and people could play ball, go for a walk etc later an night too. Maybe til 10,11, or 12. Wouldn’t that be a huge resource for our community?
I’ve seen many parks in many cities open at night. With proper lighting, cameras and occasional patrols it really isn’t a big deal.
I’m sorry you got locked out and found it to be frightening. On the other hand, I hope it’s the scariest thing that ever happens to you in your life.
The park officials very well may have just missed you/made a mistake. The park is very large after all.
I suppose the easiest way to avoid this in the future would be to have a sign on the fence with a number to call if you inadvertently got locked in. It’s not such a hard fix.
It literally says “Park Closes 7:00” on a sign when you enter the park.
I believe that the nighttime closures are pretty common across the country.
It probably has to do with drug abuse and homelessness…
These rules have been in place as far back as I remember
Why wasn’t it taken care of yet ???
Many years ago I was locked in while on a walk. Since the gates are 2 separate doors you can easily push them apart from each other-one forward and one backward- and squeeze between.
These guys need a promotion to go work the American-Mexican border. That would solve 2 problems.
Sounds like the perfect fix!
Why are these monsters still employed at this job?? A park is for people to go to and have fun. Not to get get terrorized.
Time to hire some young energetic happy people. Not 60+ year old grumps waiting for retirement.
is she up to the job?
A park is a public space to enjoy/
Why are there people patrolling?????
They are closing massive doors , turning the place into a jail at night.
PEOPLE ARE LIVID
Been to parks across country, this is weird weird weird
Heads need to roll
My daughter and her friend got locked in there when they came to the gate a few minutes before closing time. They were terrified and couldn’t get out. It was 2 years ago and they haven’t stepped foot inside since, still shiver when we pass by.
Park rangers being jerks has been a stereotype as far back as I can remember.
This is the natural progression from there…
These Park Rangers need to be reeducated..don’t they know that rules don’t apply in this town wether it’s traffic rules , parking rules, closing of the park rules..they simply do not apply and they need to oblige the residents and let the residents do whatever it is that they feel…this message will self destruct in a seconds can’t be having any conflicting opinions they must be censored…
Absolutely!
There should be away of getting out but not in, like at malls.
When it gets dark at parks it gets PITCH DARK. I once was driving in the park and it got so dark I couldn’t even see in front on me with brights on. It was a 3rd to scariest drive of my life.
They should put solor lights in parks.