I am happy to report that after MUCH email dialogue between Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PF&R) management and Councillor Chernos Lin’s office, the Georgia Walsh Playground seems to be in a happier place:
Two new litter/recycle bins have been added at the McRae entrance. Staff spent a full day trimming bushes, raking leaves and picking up litter. Litter picking is more frequent and thorough, including fence lines, bushes, bench seats and play areas.
My last pet peeve, which management is addressing, is staff smoking on the job and discarding their cigarette butts on the road. Disrespectful and disgusting.
General Manager Howie Dayton wrote to me: “Thank you for your email and sharing this information. I commit that the Parks Operations team will fully investigate this matter, undertake the necessary actions with staff and provide additional direction to our operations teams about expectations.”
It would appear that PF&R has gotten the message from the scathing auditor’s report and is working hard to repair their reputation and earn their keep.
I thank them for that…although I wish we could work them out of a job by not littering!
Here’s hoping for a litter-free summer.
