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Residents Say Nature Park Unfit for Children
03/09/10 - 10:20 PM
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A Panama City nature park is not fit for children.  That’s what one mother and head of her neighborhood watch is saying, as she brings the issue before the city commission.

“I do not want my children subjected to the criminal element,” said Machell Mayo, “Great amount of solicitation that goes on and it’s not just at nighttime it is during the day.”

Originally the nature park partnered with neighboring school, Lucille Moore Elementary, but they’ve quit taking trips as well.  Garbage and graffiti sightings are more common than wildlife.

City and County park workers have tried painting over graffiti and carvings on the park’s wooden walkways and benches, but the vandalism just keeps coming.  It’s one reason Mayo pleaded with the city for partnership and promotion.

“I want the city to understand that there are some people… that no longer want that stigma, we are tired of it, and we will do whatever it takes on our part,” she said, “It’s time for us to turn around and chase them off instead of the other way around.”

Commissioners suggested contacting the Panama City Police to help expand their neighborhood watch program to keep an eye on the activities in the park.  Mayo says she hopes with their help, they can take it back.

“If we can kind of group together, pull all of our resources together,” she said, “perhaps we can clean up some of these places.”

To join the watch, contact Mayo at 258-3126.