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Friday, February 10, 2012
Is Anyone Paying Attention?
by Felicia Pitre, published on May 14, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Storyline: Thoughts on Life
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As a new resident to the Sacramento area, I recently discovered and fell in love with Mckinley Park. Yesterday, was my third visit; unfortunately, it may also be my last. What I witnessed yesterday was nothing short of appalling and disappointing—appalling because it appears that Sacramento residents do not care about wildlife or the environment, and disappointing because it appears that the City of Sacramento does not care about wildlife, the environment, or the residents of Sacramento.
The above photos clearly illustrate what I witnessed yesterday at the duck pond. Loaves and pieces of bread were left on benches, inside the pond, and all around the pond. Empty plastic bags that once held loaves of bread were inside the pond. We also fished out aluminum can tops and straws. It almost felt as if an entire elementary school visited the park and every classroom left pieces of bread for the wildlife. I have no idea how or why so many people displayed the same irresponsible and non eco-friendly behavior.
As I said, this was my third visit to the park, but it was only my second to the pond. My first visit to the pond was in early spring, just as the ducklings appeared and the rest of the wildlife appeared "twitterpatted." During that first visit, there was some debris in and around the pond, but the scene did not compare to the atrocity that we witnessed yesterday. I found myself walking around the pond in disbelief, and immediately ran back to my car to retrieve my camera. I knew that I had to speak out to the community regarding the present state of this beautiful Sacramento landmark. Something must be done to clean the pond area and deter people from feeding the ducks, leaving opened and unopened loaves of bread in the pond area, and throwing trash in or near the pond.
I urge each person who desires to keep McKinley Park safe and beautiful to contact the city's Park and Recreation maintenance department at (916) 808-6305. You can also contact Mary Lynn Perry, City-wide Volunteer Coordinator, at (916) 808-8317, Fax: (916) 808-1907
Email: mperry@cityofsacramento.org, for volunteer opportunities.
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Litter is such a basic and frustrating fact of life almost anywhere, it would be easy to just shake your head and walk away, as others probably did. But YOU picked it up. As with other minor crimes, like graffiti tagging and broken bottles, removing the damage goes a LONG way toward preventing it from occurring again.
So: Bummer about the litter, but you did two things that will help ensure that it doesn't happen quite so soon again. You set an example. Big props to you for that.
And thanks again for the story. As quotidian as it may be, this is the heart of what citizenship - and citizen journalism - can be. Please write again.
It saddens me to think that 'we' as a unit have not learned much in 10 or 15 years about protecting the environment & all that resides within. When my son was 2 we went to the park religiously and witnessed the same abhorrent behavior. My son is now 14.
Thank you Monique for being proactive and sharing your rightfully disappointed story.
Twisted to be sure, but I could think of no other justification for the massive amounts of bread some people seem to show up with.
That said, let's all be especially vigilant during the holidays - ok? LOL