Indian River Inlet parking situation is dire

I would like to relate a distressing situation I encountered while attempting to fish at the north side of Indian River Inlet recently.

Many people are aware of the large construction project long overdue but currently in process aimed at repairing the sidewalk and rip-rap along the water that has been steadily deteriorating over the years. The project began in the spring, with a portion of the main parking lot was reserved for construction vehicles and materials, but the rear and east side of the lot were available for park users, who pay daily or yearly fees, to access the beach and fishing areas along the inlet. Over the last week or two, a more intense construction process has begun involving numerous dump trucks and other vehicles coming in and out of the area, resulting in the sensible closure of the entire area to visitor parking. This leaves about 12 spaces, including two handicap ones, located farther west near the Coast Guard station. These are frequently filled to capacity.

Last Friday, I was in the area to do a little fishing with my friend Dave when we encountered this situation. I decided to pull over on a grassy area in no way encroaching on a camp site. As I was walking toward the fishing area, a fellow angler indicated that he was leaving and that I could have his spot, which I immediately took. At this point, there was no note or ticket on my car.  After an hour of fishing, I returned to my car to find a bright pink note under the wiper blade stating “no parking at sites,” with DNREC printing on the opposite side. Apparently he had spotted me momentarily parked illegally and felt compelled to let me know.

Note that there are no readily apparent signs indicating this. On my way out, I noticed a utility vehicle commonly used by DNREC employees at the park. I inquired with the driver if he had placed the note on my car, which he had. I recommended to him that in light of the current parking situation that he cut us park users a break with regard to temporary parking. He replied that he was only a volunteer; whereupon, I suggested that he take the matter up with whomever his boss was. Sadly, the conversation degenerated at this point and we each suggested that the other perform an act that is physiologically impossible. 

Fully realizing that a major project is in process that is going to inconvenience many until completed and that camp sites are for camping only, I would humbly ask that the appropriate parties attempt to mitigate the situation by finding a common-sense solution that would best accommodate a few more tax- and/or fee-paying park users for the short time period before winter sets in and the need for same subsides.