(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

If there was a Parkersburg City Council open public forum this is what I would say:

* The City Park needs a porta john near the playground as the only restroom now is over by the tennis courts due to construction.

* Suggest there are enough granite/stone remembrance benches like ones found in cemeteries. They are not comfortable and are very dangerous. If one tripped and fell near one the injuries could be major. Any more benches should be a better design or consider planting a tree as a remembrance as was done before with a plaque.

* Horseshoe pits shelter need work! It is basically used as a rain-out back up.

* Basketball courts need resurfaced

* New retaining wall needs to be finished. It looks like a temporary wall

* Lights need to be regulated, especially the tennis court lights. They come on way before dark and waste energy and money.

* Potholes need repaired

* Lines need to be painted. Cars are driving in walking lanes

* The empty gazebo cement slab needs to be removed if not replacing the gazebo.

* Last but not least the administration voted for a bird sanctuary at Southwood. It was stated this would preserve the trees and not allow for development that would destroy it. I would like the council to make the City Park a bird sanctuary to save the remaining trees and what is left of the city park.

I hope the city council will reinstate the open public forum to make it easier to hear the concerns of the citizens.

Cathy Whitlatch

Parkersburg