Lakeside Park re-do? Really?

December 8, 2009

I've been trying to keep an open mind about spending the money to close off a street and improve Lakeside Park. Here are my observations.

I often walk my dog down there, and yes - I carry a bag to clean up after him (and other dogs and a lot of litter from people).

A granite bench has been broken for several months. The top was shoved off and may need more than just resetting. Why hasn't this been fixed?

The picnic tables are a disgrace. Many of them need boards replaced, and all of them need to be repainted, including the metal framework.

I had the misfortune of needing to use the bathroom. I had my cocker spaniel with me. Believe me - if I could have made it to anywhere else, I would have. The place was so filthy and disgusting that I had to carry him while I was in there because there was no way I was going to let his feet touch that floor. I have never had to use such filthy facilities in my entire life. I hope to never have to again, but I doubt it has been cleaned.

If we don't have the ambition/desire/money to take care of the park as it exists now, how are we going to justify spending money on expanding?

People worry about "negative" comments on this website. I'll tell ya this. Personal observations of Ortonville's total disregard and neglect of the park conditions speak a lot louder than anything I can put in writing. The neglect smacks you right up alongside your head.

One final thing. I can't stand people who try to hide behind the cloak of anonymity. I'm going to change my sign-in name to my name.

I'm your neighbor. I live here. I care deeply about Ortonville.

My name is Mary Jo Thompson.