It's the crown jewel of downtown Vernon.

Polson Park features several acres of green space, a children’s playground, a water park and even a pond full of ducks and geese to help while away the day, but the park is also getting a bad reputation.

A local group called the Polson Avengers has even started operating in the park, collecting discarded needles and other hazardous items.

Social media has been buzzing lately about needles in the park, transients and a range of other concerns so much so, some people have even said they will not go to the park anymore because of those concerns.

But is it really that bad, or is so much attention being placed on the negative that the positives of the green space are being overshadowed?

Castanet talked to several people at the park who had little worry for their personal safety.