I’m glad we’ve added signage to let everyone know they’ve arrived at the infamous Fountain Park. The signage is attractive and inviting; the park is anything but.

What used to be a sanctuary has become an over-burdened park with garbage floating at the water’s edge, blowing across the “lawn,” and spilling over from trash receptacles. At the conclusion of a weekend, Fountain Park looks like it hosted a frat party.

If we are intent on attracting the masses, let’s responsibly handle the influx of visitors for whom we have opened the flood gates:

*Add more trash/recycling receptacles (and I hope to never again see staff tossing recyclables into the garbage!).

*Require event promoters to take responsibility for the removal of debris left behind by their attendees.

*Remove the unsightly mobile billboard parked near the amphitheater.

*Consider carefully what events to offer; kites and kite string have no place amidst the wildlife inhabitants. I recommend an Earth Day festival instead; a perfect opportunity to practice gratitude for the beauty that is Fountain Park.

Visitors, please:

*Save your cigarettes and loud music for the confines of your home.

*Deposit plastic, glass and aluminum into the recycling receptacles; discard every bit of trash.

*Refrain from feeding the ducks your popcorn or bread; it's hazardous to their health and pollutes our lake.

*Clean up after your dog.

*Heed the right of way on the walking path.

*Teach your children that chasing the birds is a form of bullying; the birds deserve a peaceful existence.

I’ll never miss the droves of visitors that trash Fountain Park. I will, however, miss the glorious sight of an egret soaring over the lake after our carelessness has destroyed its habitat.

Come on, Fountain Hills, we can do better.