Saying the drones they see flying at Waveny with greater frequency represent safety hazards, parks officials will set about drafting a policy on the use of the devices there.
A drone operator gets the device off of the ground at Waveny on May 22, 2016, during Caffeine & Carburetors. Credit: Michael Dinan
Recreational drone operators and at least one out-of-town Realtor—practicing her listing flyovers—have sent the devices overhead during baseball and softball games at nearby fields, according to Steve Benko, director of the New Canaan Recreation Department.
With a policy in hand, signage and organization, those who fly drones hopefully would become as responsible and respectful as the men who fly model airplanes as part of the venerable New Canaan Radio Control Society, Benko told members of the Park & Recreation Commission at their regular meeting this month.
“Unfortunately, Waveny Park has become ‘Fairfield County Park,’ ” Benko said during the meeting, held May 11 in Lapham Community Center. “Everybody from Stamford, Darien, Westport and Norwalk comes here and they think, ‘I can just do that.’ ”
A drone hovers above the soccer fields at Waveny during the May 22, 2016 Caffeine & Carburetors. Credit: Michael Dinan
And in some cases, they appear to feel very strongly.
A member of the model airplane group once spotted a father and son flying a drone during a girls softball game at the Orchard Field, and advised the pair that they shouldn’t be doing that, just as the model planes are disallowed at such times, Benko recalled.
“The guy’s wife got perturbed and called the police,” Benko said.
Conspicuous signage in Waveny saying something to the effect that only permit-holders can fly drones, and a requirement that drone operators carry insurance in case of an accident, should be part of the new policy, he said.
Commissioners asked whether Benko has seen a lot of drones (yes), whether the model airplane flyers re-up for a permit each year (not clear), whether kites also should be regulated (no), whether other towns have already developed similar policies (not sure) and whether a new set of rules for drones could be folded into existing rules (maybe).
Park & Rec commissioner Jason Milligan said that even more signage in Waveny might discourage responsible use of drones because “there are so many signs” now that people don’t read them.
Benko responded that there must be signage in order to enforce the rules.
Past experience with flying objects at Waveny shows that safety is a concern with drones, Benko said.
About five years ago, a model rocket was launched during a girls’ softball game and its motor became detached over the field and landed on one of the players, burning her ear and neck, he said.
Park & Rec Commission Chairman Sally Campbell noted that the model plane enthusiasts’ use of Waveny will need to be reconciled with that of the drone flyers.
Perhaps the time has come for New Canaan to “take back”
Waveny Park!! When the town had problems with out of towners using our Refuse facility, it became necessary for town residents (who pay the taxes) to buy a permit which had to be displayed on one’s car in order to use it.
Waveny is a New Canaan treasure, and maybe the time has come for us to maintain it as such!!
Signage is necessary, and some way to police the manner in which our beautiful facility is used and by whom!!