I know because I often run up East Rock and see single, middle-aged men sitting alone in cars and then walking up into the woods near the parking lot with other men. I also often see men leaving the woods separately by different paths, getting into their cars, and driving away. It may be drug dealing instead of sex, but it seems more likely that sex is what brings these men to the park.

If they were heterosexual couples doing the same thing I would still complain. A public park is not where people should go to have sex. There are plenty of great places for all kinds of sex--oral, anal, missionary--whatever and whoever floats your boat. The people who use East Rock park for their liaisons leave empty beer cans and used condoms on the trails and I find their trash disgusting. Mind you, I am glad their sex is somewhat safer because of the condoms. However, I don't want to step on someone's used condom as I hike the trails. It is squishy and gross.

Sorry Chriss, I did not and do not agree that this is happening. I think you are looking under rocks for trouble. Can't you just go about your business and enjoy nature just like the rest of us. No one is trying to bother you or in any way get in your space or in any way disturb you. Take a chill pill before you raise a red flag yelling FIRE, FIRE!

No pics, it never happened.. Some might be New Haven Advocate dates..

The condoms are from the Wildebeests that roam freely , virtually undetected and under the radar. Gay guys leave not a trace of lovey dooey

Whatever they're doing, they leave their cars pretty much unattended. And a young male backs in next to one, and breaks the window for radio etc. It's definitely a druggie and probably one of their hiking friends

Chris is right, this public sex cruising ain East Rock is constant. It is not a gay rights issue (have all the non-public sex you want), but a criminal nuisance. There have been associated drug arrests, violence and cops searching the woods with dogs. These scenes are not innocent. Why do you think they close highway rest stops? In a Newark NJ park an undercover cop tragically shot and killed one of these cruisers trying to do enforcement this summer. How about trying a camera before it degenerates further.

Sexual activity and harassment in East Rock Park has been a long-term problem. I receive or hear about issues about once a month of men harassing women runners/hikers or people happening across sexual encounters in the park. People deserve to walk through East Rock Park without running across such activities.

I've recently started the conversation with the New Haven Police Department about collaborating with Hamden police to patrol the park more consistently. I will let you know how things progress.

Justin Elicker
Ward 10 Alderman
justin.elicker@gmail.com

Thank you for responding to this complaint, Mr. Elicker. And, thank you for working with the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments to see what can be done.

These are mostly GAY MEN, correct?

here is a posting from craigs list that supports the origanal postings findings

the two hot college guys making out at east rock today - m4m (east rock park new haven)
you guys were really hot! one blond, one dark.. would love to join you any time... were you doing this outside just for fun or do u live in dorms and can't host? if latter i can help with that (don't need to participate, would love to watch).

here is the link
http://newhaven.craigslist.org/mis/1928240080.html

It is no longer an issue. The park is closed.