The rule books need to return to our local parks, and we are not talking about the games the children are playing. It is for some of the patrons of the local parks who are breaking the rules and have no regard for laws or common decency.
Loud music, open drug usage, unauthorized motorized vehicles, and now as of recently, reports of gunfire nearby are unacceptable. And although we have noticed a recent increased presence of local law enforcement at the parks, there is still plenty of work to be done.
We understand that local parks are for the enjoyment of the citizens, and every child has a right to play in a safe and orderly environment. But when some parents refuse to play night games out of fear of recent criminal activities, we have entered a sad state of affairs.
We hope efforts continue to curtail some of the recent violations found at our local parks. We applaud the recent efforts to set an example. We hope that those efforts do not slow down but rather continue in high gear.
Children should feel safe when they play at a local park. And we should be hearing the sounds of cheer and the smell of popcorn...not the sounds of gunfire and the smell of drugs.
