To the editor:

This is an open letter to the vandals who desecrate our beautiful parks. Lawrence provides us with many wonderful places to enjoy our time away from work and school. “Lawrence” is you and I, my friend. Our tax dollars pay for the development and upkeep of these lovely facilities. Our tax dollars also pay for the great staff in all the parks who make our visits there so enjoyable. Life would be so boring without these green spaces and the amenities provided.

We are grateful to the volunteers who spend time and money building special amenities, which enhance the facilities. Then you go out and damage these same facilities. I am confused. You use the facilities, obviously, or you would not be there, right? You enjoy these amenities or you would not be there, right? Then can you tell me why you would smash, crash, dump in the creek the same amenities you are enjoying?

Just the other week a young person wrote to the editor that there was nothing to do in Lawrence. Maybe we could provide you with a few alternatives to “nothing” or worse yet, “destruction.” Of course, you might volunteer. There are so many people who need help and so few people willing to be of assistance. There are many youth groups who provide fun, exciting, character-building activities. These groups have adult volunteers who can provide you with good role models. We are here waiting for you. Don’t tell me there is nothing to do. Don’t tell me you are bored.

Why don’t you rechannel your considerable energies and spare time and do something construction for a change? It might feel good.

Myra Cosgrove,

Lawrence