LETTER: Milltown’s Island Park needs a helping hand

Talk about it

To the Editor:

I have read the news of the GF&P’s leasing acres of land along the James River for hunting. I think this is just great for hunters and farmers. I’m happy they are repairing the camping areas along the Missouri River.

My problem is that with the price of gas, not everyone can afford to drive that far for a day or two of camping when we have a great spot in our backyard.

I’m talking about Island Park, Milltown, located 12 miles east of Parkston. The park has some electric hook-ups, water, boat ramp and a lighted softball field. The slow-moving river and creek around it is ideal for boating and canoeing.

It also has downed trees, waist-high weeds and flood damage from floods the last two years. The present owners have advised me that they will no longer clean it up.

The memorial stone for a softball player and one for a caretaker are also at risk.

My heart is broken to see such a great place destroyed by neglect. We owned it from 1963 to 1975 and have great memories of that time. There must be many others that danced, roller-skated, played ball and had picnics at this great place.

This is a call for support to save a historical site before it is lost forever. The history of Milltown goes back before Mitchell was born.

Please contact GF&P before it is too late.

Tags: opinion, letters, parks, recreation