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LETTER: Little Lake Park picnic shelter in 'awful state,' needs some TLC (6 photos)

Graffiti, garbage, remnants of a bonfire and even a ladder leading to the roof shows the town must pay closer attention to shelter's upkeep, writer says

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