Dear Editor,

My name is Ryden Chapman. I am going into seventh grade at Lehighton Middle School and a member of Boy Scout Troop 82. It has come to my attention that the Grove Park in Lehighton has a big graffiti problem, broken equipment, dirty play structures and the bathroom is never unlocked. This makes the park look messy, uninviting and unwelcoming to families.

I am lucky that if needed, I can run back home across the street to use the bathroom, but little kids may not have that choice. Some parents allow their toddlers and little boys to pee on the trees since the bathroom is never open. I think that is pretty gross. The teenagers climb on top of the bathroom house and jump around on the roof! That is so dangerous and unsafe! he sandbox they have there does not have a cover, and all the animals use it as a big litter box! Then little kids play in it. I think they should have security cameras around the park. The only one that they have is on the bathroom doors. Why would they put a camera there if they never even open them for us to use?

Also, they really should remove the sandbox as it is a health hazard to everyone. And last, the wood chips I think should be replaced with shredded tires. It is better for the environment and also does not cause splinters. Thank you so much for your time.

Ryden Chapman

Lehighton

(Ryden is working on a prerequisite for Boy Scout Summer Camp Merit Badge. He has to write a letter to the editor as part of his Communication Merit Badge)