Hendersonville Memorial Park has always been known as a gathering area for ducks and families, after all we are known as the "City by the Lake". One specific area at the Memorial Park that surrounds the bridge connecting to the peninsula is a heavy duck feeding area. Vending machines have been set up in this chosen area as well. Fishing is permitted in the duck feeding area and beside the walking path. I have seen many inured ducks at the park so I called Walden's Puddle to get a head count on how many ducks have been brought in over the past year and I was told that "Ducks have been brought in to us constantly over the past year from that park, many injured by fish hooks or have swallowed hooks and many die because their injury is just too bad by the time we get to them." With that said, there are no nearby agencies within the city to rescue injured ducks. Walden's Puddle states that the general public will have to rescue the duck and transport the duck to them, at the same time, that puts the rescuer at risk of injuring themselves with a hook during the capturing process.

It is not just the ducks and geese that are at risk since fishing is permitted near the walking paths. Families with small children are at risk for injuries as well. Fisherman cast lines out so close you have to literally dodge the hooks. The walking paths are covered with dead fishing bait and old fishing lines. I witnessed a goose walking with 15 feet of fishing line wrapped around his leg. If that kind of carelessness exists, I cannot imagine how many fish hooks are in that area putting our children and families at risk as well.

Why fish in a duck feeding area and near a walking path when there are so many other areas in Hendersonville to fish, it should not be permitted, its not safe for the ducks, the rescuer, the children, nor our community. I would like to suggest No FISHING signs be placed in the area where the ducks are fed so that wildlife will not continue to be harmed by fishing in this inappropriate area. I believe we could designate an area for fishing away from the ducks gathering area.  I believe that will make a huge difference, I believe the number of injured ducks and fatalities will decrease and Walden's Puddle will have more time to take care of other species of injured animals. Overall, I believe our park will be safer and cleaner for our entire community!