15/09/2025
Resident Steps Up Where the Village Falls Short 🌳🚸
Peterkin Park is one of only two playgrounds in our Village and these public spaces should be well-maintained, safe, and welcoming for children and families . Unfortunately, this park has often been overlooked when it comes to routine care and enforcement of Village ordinances.
We have been alerted that one Village resident, Mr. Jon Pesce, has been observed collecting litter and cleaning the pond while visiting the park with his two year old son not because it is his responsibility, but because he wants a better environment for his child and for all children in our community. Many families utilize Peterkin Park, making its upkeep all the more important.
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We reached out to Mr. Pesce to share his perspective:
Q - What motivated you to start cleaning the pond yourself?
A - “I was motivated to start my own cleanup based on my observations that the park was routinely full of litter. I am accustomed to volunteer work and public service, so it was a simple decision. The park is a decent public space that would be so much better if it could be kept clean.”
Q - What changes would you like to see in the park?
A - “More enforcement of all Village ordinances affecting the park . On many occasions I have observed people drinking and smoking in the park, which is a violation of posted rules. I have never walked through the park without seeing a beer can or bottle on the ground or floating in the water.”
Q - What would you like to see the Village do differently?
A - “Routine enforcement of Village ordinances.”
Q - What kind of reactions have you gotten from people who see you cleaning the pond?
A - “None.”
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➡️Residents’ Concerns
In addition to Mr. Pesce’s observations, several residents have reached out to us over the past few weeks with serious concerns about conditions in Peterkin Park:
❌Reports of drinking
❌Drug use
❌Late-night partying after sundown
❌Students cutting school to smoke ma*****na
❌Drugs being sold openly in the parking lot
❌Dogs running loose , with multiple incidents of them darting into the street and being struck by vehicles
The lack of visible police presence and routine enforcement has created an unsafe environment, despite the park’s tremendous potential. Peterkin Park should be a safe, vibrant space for children, families, and the community as a whole but it needs to receive the consistent attention it deserves.
Asyah Azize, who regularly visits the park with her three children, shared:
“I love my park, I just wish I could enjoy it safely at any time of the day when it’s open.”
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đź“ŁA Call for Leadership
Mr. Pesce’s example underscores both the importance of community pride and the urgent need for Village action. Residents should not be forced to act as caretakers for our parks in order for them to remain safe and clean.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Jon Pesce for going above and beyond, and we call on Village leadership to uphold their responsibility to maintain and patrol Peterkin Park so all residents can enjoy it safely.
