An official from the National Park Service says the controversy over incoming St. John park superintendent Wendell Simpson's views on nude bathing is misguided.
"That's not what he's about," said spokesman Paul Winegar, "He's an administrator."
When Simpson's appointment was announced to fill a vacancy at the Virgin Islands National Park a statement released from the NPS Regional office in Atlanta cited him for his ability to handle controversial issues. Articles published on the Internet told of Simpson's actions against nude bathers during his tenure at the Canaveral National Seashore in Florida.
Some St. John bathers have expressed concern that the new superintendent would bring a similar approach to nude bathing here. But Winegar said nude bathing in the Virgin Islands has never been viewed as a problem, as opposed to Canaveral where it was.
"A certain portion of that beach as been a traditional nude area over the years. It became popular because some of the naturists have mentioned it in their publications," Winegar said. As bare-all bathers increased in number their liberties — and territory — began to encroach on visiting families and other bathers who would rather not share their view.
Still, the park's Atlanta regional spokesman called it a conflicting use. "The park service is neither for nor against nude bathing. There's no federal law against nudity but it may come into conflict between different groups of visitors, for instance families and nude bathers on the same beach," he said.
Winegar added the park can and does enforce laws about lewd behavior. Likewise local nudity laws do not outright ban the bum at the beach. Police spokeswoman Sgt. Annette Raimer said, "They don't really have a law prohibiting nude bathing, but indecent exposure is another matter," she said.
"That's not what he's about," said spokesman Paul Winegar, "He's an administrator."
When Simpson's appointment was announced to fill a vacancy at the Virgin Islands National Park a statement released from the NPS Regional office in Atlanta cited him for his ability to handle controversial issues. Articles published on the Internet told of Simpson's actions against nude bathers during his tenure at the Canaveral National Seashore in Florida.
Some St. John bathers have expressed concern that the new superintendent would bring a similar approach to nude bathing here. But Winegar said nude bathing in the Virgin Islands has never been viewed as a problem, as opposed to Canaveral where it was.
"A certain portion of that beach as been a traditional nude area over the years. It became popular because some of the naturists have mentioned it in their publications," Winegar said. As bare-all bathers increased in number their liberties — and territory — began to encroach on visiting families and other bathers who would rather not share their view.
Still, the park's Atlanta regional spokesman called it a conflicting use. "The park service is neither for nor against nude bathing. There's no federal law against nudity but it may come into conflict between different groups of visitors, for instance families and nude bathers on the same beach," he said.
Winegar added the park can and does enforce laws about lewd behavior. Likewise local nudity laws do not outright ban the bum at the beach. Police spokeswoman Sgt. Annette Raimer said, "They don't really have a law prohibiting nude bathing, but indecent exposure is another matter," she said.
