Dear Sir or Madam:

On May 21, 2017, I briefly visited the Waterfall Garden Park around 10:00 AM. I hadn’t been in the park less than five minutes, just passing through, and an employee who appeared to be sweeping up some dead flowers walked near me to sweep up the ground near my feet. As I backed up, he motioned towards his ears with one hand, as though he was motioning me to remove the earbuds I had in my ears (I was listening to music). He immediately shouted at me, “Why do people always have those fucking things (presumably earbuds) in?”

Shocked and taken aback, I took another step back, stuttered over my words, trying to say, “I’m listening to music.” I was in such shock that a random employee who was merely sweeping up dead flowers would abruptly and aggressively start cursing at me. At a loss for words (and desire to stay around the guy) I vacated the area immediately.

Short of assuming this man was not actually an employee or contracted by this park and merely a random patron who was interested in keeping the park clean, while dressed in a janitor uniform and outfitted with a broom and dustpan, what excuse could someone possibly give for why this is appropriate and/or accepted behavior? I’ve encountered some pretty horrible customer service before, but custodial staff really isn’t in the customer service industry. Rather, this man’s behavior can be described as nothing less than unwarranted harassment and verbal abuse.

Please respond to this message as soon as practical with a feasible reason as to this man’s behavior, and what plan of action is being instituted to prevent this from happening again. I understand staffing disciplinary issues may be confidential; however this is pretty blatantly a disgruntled employee who needs to be sat down for a good talking to, at minimum. I would request this complaint be filed in this employee’s permanent personnel file, as well, to establish any pattern of similar complaints.