Editor:
My wife and I have been residents of Columbia County for more than 25 years. We have enjoyed the many benefits this county has to offer and are proud to claim residence here.
On the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 24, my wife and I took our 1-year-old granddaughter to the playground behind the library at the Government Complex for an afternoon of fun.
As we were about to walk down the ramp with the grandbaby in the stroller, two young persons in uniform advised us that a ticket was required to enter. There was some sort of band warming up onstage for what appeared to be a live concert.
While we have no problem with live music in a public venue, we do have a problem being asked to pay to enter a public playground. Our tax dollars paid for the construction of the amphitheater and the playground. It is inappropriate to ask taxpayers to pay admission to a public area.
In the future, maybe admission fees could be charged for the tiered seating area if a function feels it necessary to obtain compensation for performing in what is clearly a public place.
By the way: We were allowed in without a ticket, but only after I explained that we would only be on the playground and would probably leave in less than an hour.
Wayne Johnston
Evans
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