Letter to the Editor
Hickories Park Camping Area Ruined by Drinking & Parties

 As a Canadian Municipal Parks Supervisor, I was looking forward to my return visit to camp at Hickories over this past weekend. I have always been impressed with the well groomed, perfectly maintained grounds at  Hickories and I want to convey my appreciation to the parks staff for a job well done.

 Unfortunately my recent visit will be my last. The Hickories tenting area by word of mouth has turned into a local overnight hangout for loudmouth,  rude, undisciplined teens who go there for no other reason but to drink and party all night. Friday and Saturday night was no exception with the need for the local police to be called at 3:00 am.on Friday night.

 I think it is time that the local parks administrators empower their staff and the police to remove offenders from the park without impunity. 

 I was amazed that the punks were allowed to remain and party again on Saturday night. Whatever happened to quiet time after 11:00 pm which is the norm in most campgrounds? I also think money should be found to  have staff on duty after 3:30 pm to ensure proper registration,  stop having up to 8 vehicles on one site and to enforce the rules against noise and nuisances. My friend and park neighbor ended up having to pay $100.00 for the Holiday Inn just to get some sleep. Not my idea of relaxing camping weekend. It seemed to me that the town is providing a perfect venue for under age drinking and possibly DUIs for those that don't have a tent to stay overnight.  Until the situation changes at Hickories Park, I will never return nor will I recommend it to my many friends who enjoy camping and travel. 

 Town of Owego - get your act together.

John Anderson
Thornton, Ontario