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Money would enable operating five areas now closed to public
By Bob Downing
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008
For the fifth time, the Portage Park District is asking voters to approve a levy for operations.
''The need is tremendous,'' said Christine Craycroft, executive director of the money-strapped system.
The district has five parks that it cannot afford to operate, she said, and they remain closed because of the lack of funds.
On the Nov. 4 ballot is a 0.5-mill levy that would raise $1.7 million a year for 10 years.
The money would be used to operate and maintain Portage parks and trails and to conserve forests, wetlands and other natural areas to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.
Plans call for spending 50 percent of the funds to preserve natural areas and historic sites, 25 percent for operations-maintenance and education, 15 percent for new bike-and-hike trails and other park facilities and 10 percent for partnership projects with Portage County municipalities.
Similar levy requests were rejected by voters in 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2001.
The levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 house $16 a year.
Craycroft said the park system has survived on grants and donations of about $175,000 a year, most of which come from the Portage County commissioners and the state.
That's just not enough money to operate, sustain, develop or expand the park system, Craycroft said.
''There is a pent-up demand for parks across Portage County, and there are lots of conservation projects that could be funded'' if the levy is approved, she said.
The levy also would enable Portage County to seek federal and state grants that require local matches. The park district has been unable to seek such funds because it cannot provide that local share, she said.
The park district operates Towner's Woods in Franklin Township, Dix Park in Ravenna Township, the eight-mile Headwaters Trail between Mantua and Garrettsville, the Portage Hike and Bike Trail between Kent and Ravenna and Seneca Ponds Park in Streetsboro.
Bob Downing can be reached at 330-996-3745 or bdowning@thebeaconjournal.com.
For the fifth time, the Portage Park District is asking voters to approve a levy for operations.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 09:05 AM, 09/23/2008
The country is in financial crisis. These parks do not need to be opened. They are not necessary. If there is such a "demand" for them, then let the people who demand them, pay an admission fee.
akron, oh
Posted 11:04 AM, 09/23/2008
I agree. At least Dont try to EXPAND anything. I doubt there is that much Demand. That the tax payers would be willing to pay for expansion. I would cut it down and cut out NEW bike and hike trails etc. Then maybe it will pass.
