Wayne to put cameras in some parks
Bond issue to cover cost of the security systems
By: Philip DeVencentis
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
WAYNE - The township will install cameras at its largest parks in an effort to keep people safe and protect its investment in the popular ball fields officials said.
.....
The cameras will pipe video feeds directly to the Police Department, which could dispatch officers to the parks if suspicious activity is observed.
..... The pole-mounted units will also be able to record footage.
.....
The Township council approved a $220,000 bond issue to cover the cost of the security systems, expected to be in place as early as this fall [2026] at Alps Road Sports Complex and at Dave Waks Memorial Park ion Barbour Pond Road.
..... The parks have multipurpose synthetic turf fields that are heavily used by youth sports teams.
.....
The 78-acre Dave Waks park, named for the late mayor and state court judge, is much bigger than the Alps Road complex.
..... It has a flying field for radio-controlled airplanes, four pickle-ball courts, a paved walking path,m a playground and a police pistol range.
..... The cameras were on the wish list of the township administration for a long time, said Mayor Christopher Vergano. Every corner of the parks will be monitored, he said.
..... Coleman Donald DeDio Jr., a former president of Wayne Police Athletic League, said coaches whose teams compete at the parks asked for the cameras.
.....
He said it was the "right move" for the safety of youth athletes.
..... "I hope that we'll see more cameras at more parks," DeDio said, "but this is a great first step."
..... The push for further public surveillance is not embraced by all, however.
..... The American Civil Liberties Union has worked for 13 years to increase accountability of the way that cameras - automatic licenses plate readers, specifically - track movements.
.....
Its ongoing campaign, called "Get the Flock Out," targets Flock Safety of Atlanta and other makers of license plate cameras over privacy concerns.