Direct Money to Parks, Not Officials

Re: Article on March 6 about Tom Frutchey’s incentive program awarding $39,000 of our tax money to seven Oxnard Parks Department employees.

My husband plays softball for the city of Oxnard Parks and Recreation and his team along with dozens of others pays well over $300 for only eight games at various city parks.

But I can’t even take my little girl to the restrooms because they are so unsanitary. There are broken windows, graffiti on the walls, trash all over the floors, urine on the toilet seats, and no lighting or toilet paper. This is not just one park, it is all the parks. It doesn’t matter whether it is men’s or women’s restrooms or the first or last game of the night or day. I also find it disturbing that these restrooms are locked when the fields are not in use.

There is bare, minimal maintenance being performed. It is not only the restrooms--my husband is among those who has twisted his ankle out on the playing fields. This is a result of potholes and broken sprinklers and the grass not always being cut.

I’m sad to see thousands of dollars being given to City Council members for free golf and free use of the performing arts center, and--for some members of the Parks and Recreation Department--free money.

REGINA RANDELL, Oxnard