Civic-minded children in Alton ask for help from parks & rec

ALTON — Concerns about a local park were recently relayed to the town’s parks & rec department via a handwritten note on a piece of pink construction paper.

The kicker? The letter writers were still practicing how to read, write and spell.

Siblings Orion and Skylar submitted their note on Aug. 8, alerting parks & rec staff of a wasp’s nest at Jones Field out of concern someone would get stung.

“Yesterday, me and my sister went to Jones Feild [sic]. When we were walking across the bridge we noticed a piece of tape that said 'Bzzzzzz look up.' When we lookt [sic] up thar [sic] was a paper wasp nest on the brij [sic]. We would appreciate if you guys could take care of the GIANT paper wasp nest.”

The wasp's nest was remediated a few short days later, by staff of the department of public works.

“The grounds & maintenance [crew] went over and went to remove it,” said Seth Garland, director of public works. “Two members of the water department, they noticed [the wasps] were already rebuilding, so they removed them again. They’ve been monitoring.”

Kellie Troendle, recreation director, reiterated the importance of speaking up to town staff when something is amiss.

“We were surprised to see the note. We thought that it was very kind that the family thought of other people, to help other people, and went out of their way to let us know,” Troendle said. “If you see something, let us know. We’re to help, and make things safe.”

Town employees can’t be everywhere at once, she said.

“Sometimes we don’t see things,” Troendle said. “If the public can be helpful that way, then we can all make things better.”

Garland agreed.

“We always take the bee nests seriously. They are very active this time of year."

The letter was popular on Facebook, with more than 60 users engaging with the post and praising the children for their civic involvement. 

“That’s the best,” wrote DrDr Richardson. “Community involvement can and does happen at all ages. How can you get involved and follow the example set by these kids?”