Parks need cleanup

My name is Judy Lee Belkam, a registered nurse in the state of Florida, and I reside in Holmes County.

I recently took my nephew to Wayside Park off SR 79 north of Bonifay. I had the impression and understanding that this was a children’s park and recreational playground. To my surprise within 30 feet of the entrance to the children’s playground there were public restrooms that were completely unsanitary. The toilets were overflowing with human feces and there were used female hygiene products and children’s underwear on the floors. There were wall-to-wall beer cans and bottles in the restrooms.

There was also toilet paper and human feces outside the restrooms where people would relieve themselves due to being afraid to enter the facility. This is a breeding ground for Hepatitis A, which can be contracted though contaminated water or food contaminated by human feces.  E-Coli, which is another bacteria that is transmitted from person to person from fecal matter, is another disease that can be contracted in such unsanitary conditions.

The picnic areas, which is a short distance from the restroom facility, is covered with beer cans and broken beer bottles. All trashcans are overflowing with beer bottles and broken beer bottles, which are dangerous to children and adults in the area trying to enjoy the park facilities.  

The public walking area around the creek in the park had sections of wood missing.  There were exposed nails, which can cause tetanus if stepped or fallen on. There is no handicap access to the creek itself and there are not guardrails.  There are no signs on the property to prohibit alcohol, lewd conduct or graffiti.

There have been police reports and letters from the public sent in on this matter and nothing has been done. It appears they were just empty promises.