Toilet Fire, Litter Clear Signs Of User Neglect At Park In Vernon

VERNON, CT — A burned out portable toilet and extensive littering at Henry Park are drawing the ire of officials in Vernon.

The outhouse fire took place early this week, Vernon Recreation Director Marty Sitler said. In his nearly four decades (eight in Vernon) as a rec supervisor, it is only the second time happening, the first being in Wethersfield, he said. The fire was set at about 11 p.m., well past the dusk curfew time, he added.

The toilet, located next to a Little League Field, sat with a gaping hole in it Wednesday evening. It is located out of security camera range, but municipal officials are working with local police to identify who was responsible, Sitler said.

It is in the process of being replaced, Sitler said.

Henry Park has also been plagued by chronic littering, Sitler said.

"There are trash and recycling barrels placed in every spot that makes sense at Henry Park, so there is no excuse," Sitler said. "Some you can literally drive up to and use. You love the park and that's why you come here, so why throw trash around at a place you love?"

When asked how bad the littering has been, Sitler said, "It's disgusting."

A staff member has been dedicating a morning every day of the week to picking up trash at Henry Park, he added.

"We are losing 5 to 10 hours each week with a staffer that could be doing something else of importance," Silter said.

Trash and recycling barrels are placed at all major spots in the park — at ballfields, the pavilion, the basketball and volleyball courts, at the South Street entrance and even at the Fox Hill Tower.

"We find trash at the top of the hill all the time," Sitler said. "It makes no sense that people drive up there to enjoy the view, then ruin the view by throwing trash out of the car."

Sitler said recreation staffers and police, "will find out who is responsible."