ATVs Ruin Events at Roger Williams Park Zoo, Says Director Criticizing Elorza Legalization Plan
Monday, March 08, 2021
The Executive Director of the Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWP) Zoological Society on Monday sent a letter to a City Councilman describing how ATVs and off-road vehicles have destroyed the property -- and have ruined events at the Providence landmark.
Moreover, he expressed "great concern" over Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza's proposal to legalize ATVs and off-road bikes on city streets.
RWP Zoo Zoological Society Executive Director Jeremy Goodman urged Councilman Michael Correia not to legalize ATVs on city streets -- but rather find a designated location for ATVs and off-road vehicles to operate.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Zoo is one of the city -- and state's -- largest tourist attractions.
SEE FULL LETTER BELOW
"We have seen the damage these vehicles have caused to Roger Williams Park on a regular basis. We have also seen these vehicles disrupt events such as weddings and our very popular Food Truck Friday event," said Goodman.
"I fear that with the destruction these vehicles cause and the fear they put into people due to their reckless use, Roger Williams Park will reverse its path of progress and people will once again feel it is not a safe place to take their families," he added.
"Designated ATV Area Not the Answer," Says Councilman
Correia said he also "strongly disagreed" with Elorza on asking state leaders to approve enabling legislation to allow cities and towns to legalize ATVs -- but does not believe a designated area for ATVs and off-road motorbikes to ride is the answer.
"I would encourage the mayor to follow Cranston’s lead on enforcement," said Correia.
On Friday, Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins issued an executive order to immediately steps up a city enforcement ordinance against ATVs on Cranston city streets. Hopkins also is calling on the Cranston city council to create new ordinances that would prevent ATVs from driving into Cranston gas stations to fill up.
"I don’t think if we built an ATV park they would use it," said Correia of Providence. "It’s my feeling these individuals don’t want a safe place to ride— they want to be visible on streets, thumbing their nose to police and intimidating motorists. I don’t believe an ATV and dirt bike park or facility will suit their needs."
"Cranston is doubling down on enforcement," he added.
Roger Williams Zoo Wants ATVs Out of Park
Goodman sent the following to Correia on Monday:
Dear Councilman Correia,
I write to you on behalf of the Rhode Island Zoological Society with great concern regarding a recently announced initiative to legalize ATV use in the city. At the zoo we have witnessed the reckless and destructive behavior of many of the riders when operating these vehicles. I have personally seen bikes doing “wheelies” down Elmwood Ave, running red lights and operating at speeds that exceed the limit for the area. I have witnessed near misses that could have been disastrous. Riders of these vehicles have often tried to use the zoo parking lots as a playground causing damage, disrupting guests, and necessitating us to employ extra security. This year many of our guests attending the Jack-o-Lantern spectacular were scared away during the chaotic rally that the riders of these vehicles staged, and we seriously considered canceling the event that night for everyone’s safety.
When I started at the zoo 8 years ago, the park was in a state of disrepair. The roads were riddled with potholes, structures were falling apart, and the upkeep of the park was lacking. This resulted in a general feeling that the park was unsafe. Thanks to investments by the city, the state, the Rhode Island Foundation and the Roger Williams Parks Conservancy as well as the incredible leadership of Parks Superintendent Wendy Nilsson and Deputy Superintendent Brian Byrnes, the park is now thriving. This is very important to the zoo as the zoo and the park are inherently connected. When one is not doing well, it effects the other. We have seen the damage these vehicles have caused to Roger Williams Park on a regular basis. We have also seen these vehicles disrupt events such as weddings and our very popular Food Truck Friday event. I fear that with the destruction these vehicles cause and the fear they put into people due to their reckless use, Roger Williams Park will reverse its path of progress and people will once again feel it is not a safe place to take their families.
ATVs were never designed or meant to be used on city streets or in a park setting that promotes open space and free play for children of all ages. I cringe when I think about mixing dangerous vehicles with young children and their families who are there to explore nature and outdoor play. When used properly these vehicles offer a fun recreational experience. Instead of legalizing their use, I would urge the city to identify appropriate land to designate as an ATV park. There is clearly an interest and demand for such a destination.
I would respectfully ask that you not pursue legalizing these vehicles, but rather step-up enforcement to ensure that our city streets and public spaces are safe not only for the citizen of Providence but for the ATV operators as well. I speak for my entire staff when I say thank you for the support the City Council has provided the zoo throughout the years. I certainly understand the challenges this issue has caused you and your staff.
However, I also know the danger and disruption the use of these vehicles has caused throughout the city. I am hopeful that we can find a solution that; preserves the jewel of our great city; Roger Williams Park, provides a safe and peaceful environment for all Providence residents, and includes the creation of a space for those who wish to operate ATV’s safely.
Feel free to contact me if you would like to further discuss my observations, concerns, and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Goodman, DVM
Executive Director
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Rhode Island Zoological Society
Related Articles
- Elorza’s Push for Legislation to Legalize ATVs on City Streets Draws Strong Reaction
- WATCH LIVE: Elorza, Providence Police to Address Motorbike Accident, ATVs at 2:30
- VIDEO: Hundreds of ATVs, Dirt Bikes Run Rampant in Providence on Sunday
- Councilors Call on Elorza to Revisit “No-Chase” Policy After Latest ATV, Dirt Bike Chaos
- Chaos in Providence — Hundreds of ATVs and Dirt Bikes, Crash Investigation and Criticism of Elorza
- Cranston Police Officer Struck, Injured by Group of Dirt Bike and ATV Riders
- EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Highways in Chaos, State Police Make ATV Arrest, Gangs Rampant on 95 &195
- RI State Police Say Illegal Use of ATVs Will Not Be Tolerated, After GoLocal Video
- GoLocal Secures Multiple Videos of ATV Gangs Doing Wheelies In Prov Neighborhoods and on 95
- Illegal ATVs on Providence Streets Draw Rebuke from Residents, Leaders
- Cranston Police Arrest 2 More in ATV/Motorcycle Incident with Officer on New Year’s Day
- Providence East Siders Worried About ATV, Motorbike Incident
- PHOTOS: ATV Accidents in Providence Send People to Hospital, 100+ Riders in Group Spark Complaints
- Police Say They Have Been Ordered Not to Enforce Laws - Video of ATV Gang in Providence