Phil and I visited Humiston Park the night of Vero’s Homecoming game.  We met a friend there and sat at a non-covered picnic table beside the restrooms.  Once a month, we’d been gathering – less than 6 of us – to chat about various common interest subjects.  On occasion one or more in our group would visit Nino’s and carry over a pizza or something.  I suppose the football game, among other things, held the focus of the usual attendees this particular evening.  With the shorter days of autumn, it didn’t matter that there was no protection from the sun but during the summer, cover is better.  Anyway, we could not sit at the covered picnic pavilion – there are two at Humiston – because a special event involving Alzheimers’ group had reserved both and their materials, decorations, etc. were being guarded by a security person.  No problem.

There is now a sign on each covered pavilion at Humiston Park, as follows:  “Welcome to the (name) Pavilion in Humiston Park.  Beginning October 1, 2013, use of this pavilion is by paid reservation ONLY (my caps).  For pavilion reservations, rates and information call 772-770-6517.”

There are no small, covered picnic tables  in Humiston Park, unlike Jaycee Park, where there are 3 large covered ones (with same sign as above–each pavilion has different name), and numerous covered smaller picnic tables.  At Charles Park on the mainland (24th Ave & 15th St), there are, I believe two large covered pavilions and a few small ones.  The large pavilion west of Charles Park’s restrooms has the same sign as beachside large pavilions.

We used to walk the trails at Charles Park frequently until it became apparent that air-conditioning was better for my husband–who has COPD.  There were frequently birthday parties held under those pavilions–just regular folks.  I realize times are tough, and Vero’s management is requiring slashing of budgets, but to put up signs like the above indicating certain areas of the parks may be used by “…paid reservation only” seems a trifle offensive.  How will this be policed?  What happens if a group gets to the park at 9:30am and decides to sit at the bigger covered pavilion and drink coffee?  Will there be reserved for signs or yellow tape to keep non-reserving people from using? How many new employees will be needed to enforce this ‘reservation only’ policy?

I’m just curious.

Cathy Katrovitz