In response to the letter to the editor from Zeno Wicks III on June 4, I must present another side of the story.

I worked under Allyn Frerichs for 38 years (1973-2011) as an employee of the Brookings Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. When bringing up Allyn’s name, I must first say Brookings parks would not be what they are today without the foresight of this amazing man.

Allyn didn’t say “no” to many groups or citizens, but I’m pretty sure he would have said no to “No Mow May.” He loved flowers and trees, especially his flowering crabs we’re blessed with every spring, but he did not like weeds and since “No Mow May” brings endless weeds, he would have been appalled by the concept.

Allyn could spot a weed, thistle, a crooked tree or too tall grass a half mile away and we always took care of it immediately.

Back then, the park department and citizens of Brookings took great pride in their city. Our parks were once known as the best kept in the entire state of South Dakota. Some large companies still in Brookings to this day were drawn here because of our beautiful parks. We spent endless hours beautifying the parks in May due to many visitors coming in for SDSU and Brookings High School graduations. Thousands of flowers were planted in all the parks and meticulously tended to all summer and into fall.

Here are some of the historical reasons why some of the mowing Zeno mentioned is completed:

• Nature Park — Now is a great time for ticks. The Nature Park is heavily used and this keeps the public from coming into contact with tall grasses containing ticks.
• South of Nature Park — Grass is put up for hay after the city tree nursey was abandoned.
• Medary dirt road is mowed to control thistles since they are a noxious weed.
• Larson Park is also related to tick control.
• The number of tick-borne diseases has doubled in the last 10 years. Paying to mow the city properties in an effort to prevent cases of Lyme disease affecting our citizens is money well spent.

It’s time to get back to taking pride in our city and Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. Allyn always told me “The difference between a good park department and a great one is paying attention to detail.” May he rest in peace. Thank you, Allyn, for your great vision for our beautiful community.