Residents call for police protection amid prostitution, drug arrests at Harlem park

HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- There are calls for more police presence and protection at one of the most popular parks in New York City.

A high point in Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park offers sweeping views of Harlem.

But, its seclusion from street traffic means it has become a well-hidden, destination point, Eyewitness News is told, for open sex and drugs.

By day it is a popular, beautiful park, and the playgrounds full of children.

By night, when families go home, it is a different scene.

Police report they have made eight arrests for prostitution so far this year; seven for public lewdness and one for drugs.

One woman, whose apartment looks right onto the park, said she saw so much open sex from her window, and even during the daytime.

Many, including park advocates, are now calling for more police presence there.

"This is an easy fix," said Geoffrey Croft, NYC Park Advocate, President.

Many residents don't want Marcus Garvey Park to take a turn for the worse every night, saying it's too important to the neighborhood.