Stop encroaching on our parks

To the editor:

The deal that was made with the Drury Corp. and a few people on the Cape Girardeau County Commission was wrong. This is a very sensitive matter that doesn't just rest in the commission's hands. This should be taken up with the taxpayers of Cape Girardeau County who help fund this park.

The north side of the park with Maple Hollow Trail is an absolute refuge for dogs and dog lovers. We take our dog there almost daily. It is the one place our dog can stay on a trail and be free to roam a little off the path and think he is a hunter and have the thrill of seeing wildlife and not be chained or leashed. Yes, we know there is a leash law there, and any time we come in contact with other dogs doing the same thing we are doing, he is leashed. But it is an absolute joy to watch him stalk a squirrel, and a deer will send him into a frenzy. But he couldn't catch one anymore than I could do back flips at 63 years of age. We have met many dog lovers there jogging with their canine friends and have never had a bad experience.

We respect the Drurys. They are hard workers and shrewd business people. However, enough is enough. You give them this, and they want a little more.

Please respect our parks. They are so precious, and this is our park. It is your park. This is not Drury's Park, unless you can convince the citizens of Cape Girardeau County that it is Drury's Park -- another slab of concrete encroaching upon the wildlife in our community.

PATRICK and DIANE SCULLY, Jackson