To the editor:
I feel there are solutions to the skate park problems without closing the facility permanently, and it should be reopened while the issues are worked out. (‘Council eyes closing skate park permanently,? The Citizen page 1, Aug. 4) Closing one part of the park system while other parts are having problems is discriminatory against the skate park users.
I work as a substitute teacher and have come across a lot of control issues. Usually, just the presence of an adult is enough to keep everyone in check. I also think the presence of summer help doing garbage duty is enough supervision to keep the park orderly.
I am baffled that the village can spend $30,000 on a street sweeper that needs $15,000 in repairs, but won’t consider hiring a worker to supervise the park.
As a village taxpayer who owns 5.9 acres of village land, I would like to see the council put youth as a top priority. They are much more important than clean streets and curbs. It is not right to close the park and leave the skaters to skate on the streets. The good kids are being held responsible for the illegal acts of the troublemakers.
Don’t forget, there are no ordinances against skating or biking in the village.
Pam DeLandsheer
Ortonville