THE HORRIBLE ATTACK ON THE FORT NASSAU PLAYGROUND.........“Who broke the castle, Mimi?”
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
This question was asked by my granddaughter, who refers to the “fort” (Fort Nassau Playground) as the princess’ castle. How do I answer this wide-eyed toddler? What do I tell her? The naughty kids broke it!
How long will it take for the youth of our city to completely destroy Gloucester City’s playground named Ft. Nassau?
On a recent visit, my granddaughter told me the “bridge” was broken. To my astonishment, one of the boards was completely broken off which left a gaping hole.
Luckily, my granddaughter did not injure herself, which is a certain possibility for other children. Will this board be replaced? Will the exposed nails be removed? Who’s responsible for the upkeep and repair of this playground?
The idea for the Fort Nassau playground was very clever and a wonderful experience for children… not teenagers.
Since its completion years ago, careless and thoughtless vandalism has been ongoing. And, the graffiti, trash and litter is another story entirely.
I guess the destruction of the beautiful gazebo, which led to its’ demolition, wasn’t enough and the youth had to move onto the playground.
Don’t our youth have enough to keep them busy what with computers, X-Boxes, Wii’s etc? Can’t they leave the playgrounds, built and intended for the enjoyment of little children, alone?
I guess I’ll have to drive out of town when my granddaughter visits next time and locate another “castle.”
Janet Bevan, Gloucester City
(Disgusted Grandparent)
