Making The Rules—

Accident Spurs Talk Of Regulations At FFH

By Kendra Bobowick

A single-person aircraft accident earlier this spring that left one young woman with severe injuries was “what precipitated” discussions earlier this month regarding Fairfield Hills campus regulations, according to retiring Fairfield Hills Authority Chairman Bob Geckle. The authority members read through a “draft” of rules proposed for trails winding throughout the former state hospital grounds.

With help from Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold, who is also his daughter, authority Vice Chairman Andy Willie handed out rules for the trails stamped with the word “draft,” and another set of possible regulations for the campus, which would be separate from regulations already in place for the towns parks, according to Ms Mangold.

The trails are open sunrise to sunset, and are closed to motorized transportation unless otherwise posted, the draft suggests.

As each member read through the documents, Mr Willie stressed, “This is a draft. It’s difficult to think of everything.”

Another regulation states, “Alcoholic beverages, illegal or illicit drugs and cigarettes are prohibited from the site.”

“Cigarettes, interesting,” Mr Reed said.

“It would be great if it was a smoke-free campus,” Mr Willie said. He has noticed people stepping outside of buildings to light a cigarette.

“I like the rules,” Mr Reed said after a first glance.

“We tried to cover the basics; it’s a draft,” Mr Willie said. “This is a start.” He then moved that the authority accept the proposed rules for a first reading.

Mentioning a discussion with Newtown Police Chief Michael Kehoe, Mr Geckle noted that the police chief “suggested making a list of all the things that are allowed so he could enforce violations.” The reasoning, Mr Geckle explained, was that “you could never make a thorough enough list of what’s prohibited,” he added.

“How can you think of everything?” Mr Willie asked.

Looking down the list, head of security Maria DeMarco referred to one of the draft’s rules stating: “Possession of firearms … is prohibited.” She said, “I wouldn’t put that there. You can’t prohibit it.” Possession of firearms and permits falls under a federal purview, and outside the authority’s rights to prohibit, she explained.

“I understand,” Mr Reed began. “I don’t think it’s inappropriate to be in the spirit of something, if we don’t want something.”

“People will take you to task just to prove they can do it,” Ms DeMarco said.

Other rules on the list include no pets on the ball field, no hunting, helmets and safety equipment are recommended for skaters and riders, “wheeled” travelers must yield to pedestrians, slow down, call out or ring a bell when passing. Joggers must yield to walkers, keep to the right, pass on the left, carry out all trash, no ball playing except on athletic fields, in an emergency call 911.

Ms Mangold mentioned again that the form from which officials will begin their work to hone specific regulations is a “very, very broad” list of things.

Signs could be used to identify directions to ball games, tournaments, festivals, and other special activities. A park entrance sign could be an ideal place to list opening and closing hours. General park rules should be posted. Traffic flow and speed limits need to be established. Suggestions include playground rules and supervision signs, vehicles are limited to roads, do not set fires, never damage or pollute or remove natural resources, do not hunt, kill, molest, frighten or tease animals, retiles, or birds in the park, keep restrooms clean.

The example also gets into categories such as assemblies and public demonstrations, vending and solicitation, abandoned or unattended property, peace and quiet, weapons and firearms, wild life, plant life, fires, smoking, camping, natural resources, motor vehicles, parking, alcohol, performing arts, and more.

Authority members took materials home for review.