By Suzanne Ma
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
CENTRAL PARK — A determined group of metal-detecting enthusiasts are calling on the city to lift a decade-old ban that prevents them from treasure hunting here in the city's "crown jewel" of parks.
The group, who call themselves metal detectorists, stood in the wind and rain in front of The Arsenal, at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue, last week toting a sign that read "Dogs have more rights than detectorists." They not only want access to Central Park, but other green spaces across the five boroughs.
There are hundreds of public parks in the city, but metal detecting is permitted in just 25 of them. Seven of those parks are located in Manhattan.
"It's really more than a metal detecting issue, it's a public access issue," said Harold Lowenfels, a 64-year-old retired city employee who has been metal detecting for more than 30 years. "Whose parks are these, if not ours?"
Lowenfels said the group has decided to fight for access to Central Park now because they feel they are slowly being squeezed out of all the city's parks.
The Parks Department argues that metal detecting cannot be permitted in certain parks because "manicured lawns and natural areas are particularly sensitive to damage from digging."
"We don't allow any type of invasive technique in Central Park," said Neil Calvanese, vice president of operations at the Central Park Conservancy. "We have delicate and extensive underground irrigation and drainage systems that we must maintain."
But detectorists told DNAinfo they abide by a strict code of conduct: They must leave the parks exactly in the same condition as they found them.
Meaning, after they've dug up the ground, they make sure to cover up the holes before moving on.
Metal detectorists have roamed the city's public parks for decades, looking for lost treasures and ancient artifacts buried underground.
Their hobby, they say, provides a service to the people of New York — returning lost wedding bands and dropped keys to their rightful owners, and removing garbage and sharp objects from the soil that could have been dangerous to young children.
Many detectorists are also history buffs, getting a rush from digging up old Wheatback and Indian Head pennies, and military relics such as bullets and buttons from Civil War uniforms.
Today, more than 350 people have permits to metal detect in New York City parks.
"We're pursuing a very athletic, a very healthy sport of metal detecting," said Avery Marder, a metal detector from Brooklyn. He added that the city allows "other people to enjoy their parks, but they are telling us we are not welcome. It's not fair. "
The clash over Central Park stems from a dispute that began in May 2008 when all metal detectorists were suddenly banned from Prospect Park, in Brooklyn, after park keepers allegedly observed one man leaving craters in the ground.
Detectorists across New York City spoke out, saying they shouldn't be punished for the actions of one "rogue detector."
They fought the city with a letter-writing campaign and, eventually, the city allowed them back into Prospect Park, but only for two days a week.
"We feel that this response to this small group of enthusiasts fairly balances their interests with those of all who use and maintain this beautiful public space," said Vickie Karps, spokeswoman for the city's Parks Department.
But Lowenfels said many felt shortchanged by the settlement. They continued to call and write city officials and have even sent a letter to the mayor's office, he said. The last time he heard from the city was six weeks ago.
"It's come to the point where they aren't communicating with us anymore," Lowenfels said. "We have no other choice but to bring this battle out to the public and that's what we're doing here today."
