Dear Editor:

This past weekend, I was in town from Virginia visiting my son and grandchildren. Sunday afternoon, my seven- year-old granddaughter asked if we could go to Finlay Park. We loaded the three kids in the car and headed for the park.

As soon as we drove into the parking space, we were met by the stares of a dozen or so obviously homeless folks. It was as though we were interlopers, invading their privacy. Still, we made our way past them and walked down into the park, then climbed up to the top of the beautiful waterfall. After this, we took the children to the playground on the higher level. To get there, we had to pass by several middle-aged men who were sitting alone, and to me, seemed far too interested in staring at other people's children playing. Once on the playground, I noticed the strong stench of urine soaked cedar chips. Seems someone had made it a habit to relieve themselves right at the railing of the paved area above the playground. So we moved to the lower playground where we watched the children closely from the cement wall we found to sit on. The benches that were provided for that purpose were all occupied by sleeping adults.

As can be expected, it wasn't long before one of the children needed to use the restroom, but the doorway of the nearest restroom, the one with the overhanging roof, was all but blocked by rows of adults and their makeshift sleeping arrangements. We walked up several flights of stairs, where I went in to check the restroom before taking the children. Let's just say the last 100 visitors to that restroom had poor aim, and it was just too unsanitary to take the children in. So we left the park.

Having lived in large cities, I know that a city of any size is going to have a homeless population, and those people have needs. But why call Finlay a park, when in reality it is being used as a squatter's camp? Why post signs that say camping and loitering is not permitted, when it obviously is? I can tell that Columbia spent lavishly to create the beautiful setting that Finlay Park offers, but can't Columbia do better for it's people - the homeless who need a clean safe place to sleep, and the families who need a clean safe place for recreation?

Sincerely,

Karen Ostrow

Educator

Virginia Beach, VA