E. Hills park rules cover same-sex spouses

Trustees in the Village of East Hills on Monday night unanimously approved revised park rules to ensure same-sex spouses have the same access to the village park as other married couples.

In July, the board put off voting on the revised rules so they could update a section involving married couples who rent in the village and their access to the 50-acre East Hills Park, which features a swimming pool, running trails, ballfields, a gym, a senior center and other facilities.

The new rules define such families as spouses of same- or different-sex couples and their children, according to Village Attorney William Burton. The wording reflects changes to the law brought by the state Marriage Equality Act, which took effect July 24.

Previously, renters could not get park passes. Under the new rules, renters wanting to use the park must have signed a lease for one year or longer with the owner of a private residence. The lease must also say the homeowner has granted the tenant’s family all the privileges the owner has to use the park.