To Ottumwa City Council members and Ottumwa Park Director: Here we go again! Around 6 a.m. each morning I walk down to get an Ottumwa Courier and usually see same-o, same-o ... some “homeless” person coming out of “Campers’ Only” shower house, men’s and women’s.

I know this is a city park, but we campers must pay $15 per day while the general public uses them for free.

If we had sewers at our sites we wouldn’t even need to use the facilities.

Now put yourselves in our position. Picture this: You all have nice, comfortable houses. Your bathing facilities are decent, so why should you worry about the campers? They’re not your problem, so you seem to think. Well, we also have nice, comfortable homes and comfortable facilities. But, we come to our hometown to visit relatives and friends, and of course, we have to camp in Ottumwa Park. We are helping to pay your salaries, so give us a break.

Balloon Days bring up another subject. Porta-potties behind the shower houses would accommodate park visitors. This could eliminate destruction of “Campers Only” restroom doors.

Friday and Saturday nights, security would be welcomed.

Attention Gene: In ’07, you personally told me “fixing park potholes” was on the “list.” What happened to “the list?”

Last, but certainly not least, you have a treasure in your Ottumwa Park hosts. I wonder if you do realize this. They are always “Johnny on the spot” and always there! They go way beyond their duty — a rare combination you’ll never replace. All campers love and respect them.

Shirley Smith Stevens

Casa, Ark.