I have to give my opinion about what a cynical and self-centered society we have become.

Mattson Heights in Gardiner, right off U.S. Route 201, has furnished a place for the people of Gardiner to ice skate for 30-plus years.

This has always been a safe, family-utilized place for surrounding residents to enjoy, but because people are so afraid of getting sued, it is now closed to the public.

We have created a world where people are so sue-happy that businesses find it necessary to do away with these types of things to protect themselves. It is very sad.

It is one more loss to area teenagers, a loss that got them outside, away from TV, video games, etc. and kept them doing something healthy and constructive. As adults, we wonder why a lot of kids aren’t as active as we were. Well, here is one answer!

If we were, as a whole, more concerned about kids having these types of outlets, and less concerned about liability, maybe we would see more of these kinds of things being provided by local businesses.

It really is too bad.

Ken King

Gardiner