MidlandToday welcomes letters to the editor. This letter is from a Midland resident about the state of Little Lake Park's picnic shelter. Send your letter to [email protected]
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During my daily evening walk in Little Lake Park last night, it is with disappointment and frustration that I came across the awful state the ‘picnic shelter’ is in.
It wasn’t the first time I noticed the garbage (clothes, food packages, paper, bottles,etc.) and the picnic tables piled up or tossed around. It’s been the case all winter. However last night, I reached a point where I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
The garbage is still there and it keeps growing but I’ve also noticed the following things, that I found even more disturbing.
- Graffiti that has been on the ceiling for the past two years is now joined by other graffiti on the floor and posts
- There were remnants of a bonfire just beside the shelter (we could still see the charred wood).
- There were logs in the shelter for a future bonfire I imagine
- There was a ladder against the roof of the shelter. On the roof, there was more graffiti.
I just do not understand how it got this far.
This seems to indicate the park is not monitored enough. I hope the town doesn't use the excuse that employees can’t reach that area or they do not do garbage pick-up in the winter. The town left the park open this winter by plowing the road that runs through it. Wouldn’t it make sense to have someone check the entire park on a regular basis (preferably on foot)?
I am tired and saddened by the lack of care (upkeep) and supervision the town puts towards the park.
Same for the stone steps that are really a historic part of Little Lake Park and they bring character. Many of them are sprayed with graffiti or damaged (some intentionally). I invite the Heritage Committee to maybe make it a project to preserve these beautiful steps.
It’s time for the town to put in some TLC into Little Lake Park and to keep it a serene and natural place to enjoy.
L. Turcotte
Midland
