Events Calendar
In This Section
Most Read Stories
Blogs:
Akron Docs in Haiti:
Almost home
First Bell - On Education:
Celebrate Pi Day on March 14
Pets:
Humane Society of Greater Akron to move animals to new Twinsburg location
The Heldenfiles:
Sunday Viewing Notebook
Akron Zips:
Liveblog – MAC Championship
Tribe Matters:
Cabrera diagnosed with strained groin
Cleveland Browns:
Quinn traded, Wimbley next?
Balanced Ledger:
How times have changed?
Kent State Sports:
NIT selection show set for 9 p.m. on ESPNU
Cleveland Cavaliers:
LeBron Makes NBA’s Top 10 Plays Twice
Buckeye Blogging:
Bucks High Seed – Turner High Praise
Varsity Letters:
All Da King's Men:
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Akron Law Café:
Can Corporations Be Shamed?
Car Chase:
2010 CONCOURS SEASON IS UPON US
Let's Talk Real Estate:
The Academy Awards!!!
Sound Check:
Pearl Jam coming to Cleveland in May
See Jane Style:
Who Wore What – The Oscars
HRLite House:
Clean Up Week – Post 1 – IPMA Central Site
Akron Gamer:
'Uncharted 2' nabs 5 trophies at video game awards
By Bob Downing
Beacon Journal staff writer
POSTED: 11:46 a.m. EDT, Jun 02, 2009
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s Wingfoot Lake is getting a new owner.
The 540-acre lake and 150 acres of the surrounding recreational park will be acquired by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife. It will become the Wingfoot Lake Wildlife Area.
The purchase price for the tract in Portage County's Suffield Township is $3.2 million.
The land is being purchased in two phases and involves a third party: the Ohio office of the Trust for Public Land, a national land conservation group with an office in Cleveland.
The plan is to have the entire area open to the public by late spring or early summer 2010 for fishing, boating, hunting and wildlife watching.
The sale excludes land on the southeast end of the lake, where Goodyear's blimp hangar is located.
The State Controlling Board approved the initial agreement Monday. It released $991,300 to purchase 147.88 acres.
The state is seeking a partner that might be interested in operating and maintaining the recreation facilities at Wingfoot Lake, said Division of Wildlife Chief Dave Graham.
If a partner cannot be found, the state probably will dismantle the recreational facilities in the future because recreation is not part of the division's mission, he said.
Bob Schilling, president of the local Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club, greeted news of the sale with enthusiasm.
''This was the best way for it all to work out,'' he said of the sale. His club — independent although it once had ties to the company — probably will be able to maintain its clubhouse at the site under a lease arrangement with the state, he said.
''Goodyear is pleased to finalize the sale of the Wingfoot Lake Park property to the Trust for Public Land,'' Stuart Rickman, Goodyear's director of headquarters facilities and services, said in a statement.
''Our goal was to find a new owner whose interest would be to protect the open space, which fits well with their goal to conserve land and water for people to enjoy.''
ODNR Director Sean Logan said Wingfoot Lake ''will be a welcome addition to public fishing opportunities in Northeast Ohio.''
''Anglers will be able to experience great bass and bluegill fishing from the shoreline or on the water, thanks to the planned first-class boat launch,'' Logan said.
In the first phase, 147.5 acres will be purchased using money from the state's Wildlife Fund — money derived from the sales of hunting and fishing licenses.
The remaining 543 acres, including the lake, will be purchased in the second phase using federal funds obtained from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant.
The Trust for Public Land provided a $1.8 million loan from its Ohio Land Protection Fund to facilitate the sale.
Under the agreement, the trust will lease 543 acres of the property to the state for $1 until the second phase of the purchase is complete.
This will allow Wingfoot Lake to be controlled, managed and developed for wildlife-related public recreation.
''The Division of Wildlife will seek to partner with other public agencies that may have an interest in operating and maintaining the park parcel,'' said Graham.
''If this is not possible, the park portion will be converted into a bird-watching area, a first-class boat launch facility and a shoreline-fishing access area. The pond will be managed for youth fishing opportunities and the remainder of the property will be managed for hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife observation and outdoor education,'' he said.
At present, there is no boat launch on the lake, said Goodyear spokesman Scott Baughman.
In the past, a gasoline-powered pontoon boat offered cruises on the Goodyear-owned lake, and foot-powered pedal boats were available, he said.
The state thanked the Trust for Public Land and Goodyear for their ''cooperation and good intentions'' in completing the sale.
''We are thrilled to partner with Ohio and Goodyear to conserve the Wingfoot Lake properties,'' said Bill Carroll, Ohio state director for the trust. ''Wingfoot Lake is an historic Ohio gem, and making it permanently available to the public is a gift for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.''
Goodyear purchased the lake, which drains into the Little Cuyahoga River, in 1916 to be assured of a water supply for its rubber-making operations in Akron. At that time, it was known as Fritsch's Lake.
Goodyear had closed Wingfoot Lake in 2006, a move that angered many company retirees who had used the recreational facilities.
In 1968, the recreational facilities were restricted to Goodyear workers and retirees. It was the place where Goodyear played host to its picnics and reunions and where generations of Goodyear children grew up on summer weekends.
The complex off Waterloo Road near state Route 43 includes picnic shelters; playgrounds; softball fields; tennis, basketball, bocci and shuffleboard courts; a miniature golf course; a golf driving range; docks; a pontoon boat cruise; pedal boats; and a canteen.
Goodyear said it was not worth the cost to maintain and operate the recreational complex because of declining use.
It had announced its intention of selling the property in early 2007. It said it wanted the property to be used for outdoor recreation and not developed.
Bob Downing can be reached at 330-996-3745 or bdowning@thebeaconjournal.com.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s Wingfoot Lake is getting a new owner.
The 540-acre lake and 150 acres of the surrounding recreational park will be acquired by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife. It will become the Wingfoot Lake Wildlife Area.
The purchase price for the tract in Portage County's Suffield Township is $3.2 million.
The land is being purchased in two phases and involves a third party: the Ohio office of the Trust for Public Land, a national land conservation group with an office in Cleveland.
The plan is to have the entire area open to the public by late spring or early summer 2010 for fishing, boating, hunting and wildlife watching.
The sale excludes land on the southeast end of the lake, where Goodyear's blimp hangar is located.
The State Controlling Board approved the initial agreement Monday. It released $991,300 to purchase 147.88 acres.
The state is seeking a partner that might be interested in operating and maintaining the recreation facilities at Wingfoot Lake, said Division of Wildlife Chief Dave Graham.
If a partner cannot be found, the state probably will dismantle the recreational facilities in the future because recreation is not part of the division's mission, he said.
Bob Schilling, president of the local Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club, greeted news of the sale with enthusiasm.
''This was the best way for it all to work out,'' he said of the sale. His club — independent although it once had ties to the company — probably will be able to maintain its clubhouse at the site under a lease arrangement with the state, he said.
''Goodyear is pleased to finalize the sale of the Wingfoot Lake Park property to the Trust for Public Land,'' Stuart Rickman, Goodyear's director of headquarters facilities and services, said in a statement.
''Our goal was to find a new owner whose interest would be to protect the open space, which fits well with their goal to conserve land and water for people to enjoy.''
ODNR Director Sean Logan said Wingfoot Lake ''will be a welcome addition to public fishing opportunities in Northeast Ohio.''
''Anglers will be able to experience great bass and bluegill fishing from the shoreline or on the water, thanks to the planned first-class boat launch,'' Logan said.
In the first phase, 147.5 acres will be purchased using money from the state's Wildlife Fund — money derived from the sales of hunting and fishing licenses.
The remaining 543 acres, including the lake, will be purchased in the second phase using federal funds obtained from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant.
The Trust for Public Land provided a $1.8 million loan from its Ohio Land Protection Fund to facilitate the sale.
Under the agreement, the trust will lease 543 acres of the property to the state for $1 until the second phase of the purchase is complete.
This will allow Wingfoot Lake to be controlled, managed and developed for wildlife-related public recreation.
''The Division of Wildlife will seek to partner with other public agencies that may have an interest in operating and maintaining the park parcel,'' said Graham.
''If this is not possible, the park portion will be converted into a bird-watching area, a first-class boat launch facility and a shoreline-fishing access area. The pond will be managed for youth fishing opportunities and the remainder of the property will be managed for hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife observation and outdoor education,'' he said.
At present, there is no boat launch on the lake, said Goodyear spokesman Scott Baughman.
In the past, a gasoline-powered pontoon boat offered cruises on the Goodyear-owned lake, and foot-powered pedal boats were available, he said.
The state thanked the Trust for Public Land and Goodyear for their ''cooperation and good intentions'' in completing the sale.
''We are thrilled to partner with Ohio and Goodyear to conserve the Wingfoot Lake properties,'' said Bill Carroll, Ohio state director for the trust. ''Wingfoot Lake is an historic Ohio gem, and making it permanently available to the public is a gift for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.''
Goodyear purchased the lake, which drains into the Little Cuyahoga River, in 1916 to be assured of a water supply for its rubber-making operations in Akron. At that time, it was known as Fritsch's Lake.
Goodyear had closed Wingfoot Lake in 2006, a move that angered many company retirees who had used the recreational facilities.
In 1968, the recreational facilities were restricted to Goodyear workers and retirees. It was the place where Goodyear played host to its picnics and reunions and where generations of Goodyear children grew up on summer weekends.
The complex off Waterloo Road near state Route 43 includes picnic shelters; playgrounds; softball fields; tennis, basketball, bocci and shuffleboard courts; a miniature golf course; a golf driving range; docks; a pontoon boat cruise; pedal boats; and a canteen.
Goodyear said it was not worth the cost to maintain and operate the recreational complex because of declining use.
It had announced its intention of selling the property in early 2007. It said it wanted the property to be used for outdoor recreation and not developed.
Bob Downing can be reached at 330-996-3745 or bdowning@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
akron, oh
Posted 12:03 PM, 06/02/2009
What a super idea that way some time down the road when they find that the lake is nothing but a giant toxic waste dump the state can be stuck with the job of cleaning it up at the taxpayers expense ! Go Go Goodyear
Akron, OH
Posted 12:05 PM, 06/02/2009
Wow, anybody else remember the annual company picnics? Good times.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:14 PM, 06/02/2009
@ TOJ - Yes, I do. I attended many of them. Good times indeed.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:28 PM, 06/02/2009
Hey Big Mike. The state isn't as stupid as you are. They've done their due diligence on the property. I think it's a nice outcome. Go harass someone else.
my city, Oh
Posted 12:36 PM, 06/02/2009
I remember playing mini-golf and I thought this park had the best playgrounds as a kid. I'm glad it will be open to the public. It will be nice to be able to take my children there to experience it too GOOD TIME INDEED!
Posted 12:36 PM, 06/02/2009
Our fishing license mony finally going to good work
Posted 12:36 PM, 06/02/2009
I would of loved to buy a piece of that. Its really nice there. I hope that creepy people in cars don't ruin it. Portage Lakes is overbuilt with houses jammed into each other and taxes are way outta line. Whata poor planning job! Those shacks need flattened.
akron, oh
Posted 12:39 PM, 06/02/2009
@ Carie1 Thank you for the insult. I am a avid fisherman and hunter i also think it is a fantastic idea i just hope no one gets burned in the long run because we all know who's pockets it will come out of .
Akron, OH
Posted 12:48 PM, 06/02/2009
@ Big Mike Hope you get to enjoy fishing there for a long, long time.
Posted 12:52 PM, 06/02/2009
As a Goodyear employee that used the park when it was open, I was always astounded at how beautifully maintained the park was (and so were friends and family). The lawn was better than most lawns in my neighborhood, and the shelters were in impeccable condition and there was tons to do with the mini-golf, volleyball, badminton, peddle boats, etc.
If it remains near that level, the public is in for a very special treat.
Orrville, Oh
Posted 01:20 PM, 06/02/2009
President Obama and Congress are too busy paying Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company $3.2 million for Wingfoot Lake. With money derived from Fathers disqualified for affirmative action with white skin, Union workers, consumers, taxpayers, and America’s grandchildren’s children wages or independent business profit to transfer ownership of this land.
This demands taxpayers pay The Ohio Office of the Trust for Public Land to transfer title to this land and develop a National Recreation Park!
Posted 01:27 PM, 06/02/2009
I think it will get a lot of use once it is open to the public. How fortunate they were able to work out all the financing. I'm glad it wasn't sold for a bunch of private, expensive homes.
akron, oh
Posted 01:42 PM, 06/02/2009
i heard through workers that they buried toxic waste in 55 gallon drums under the property. wonder how much that will cost the tax payer.
uniontown, oh
Posted 01:50 PM, 06/02/2009
What a great story! Way back when my father-in-law was a Goodyear retiree and we went there. I remember it as being a truly lovely place. After I was divorced I lost my ties to Wingfoot and always missed it. Now everyone will be able to enjoy this little piece of heaven. Finally some good news! I can't wait!
Akron, OH
Posted 02:59 PM, 06/02/2009
Is not the reason for this caper by Goodyear OBVIOUS? They need cash. They don't need the expense of keeping and caring for the Wingfoot lake property now. I find nothing wrong with the move. This definitely was the way to go. Of course the State has lots of rules of what can be done and what can't be done. I hope that the beauty and utility of the place is not lost.
r m kraus
oldtime Akron resident
Akron, OH
Posted 03:05 PM, 06/02/2009
Remember when Firestone gave their stadium to the City of Akron? This is ther same kind of deal . . . . . only Goodyear is getting reimbursed.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:35 PM, 06/02/2009
I'm excited about the sale! Can't wait to go fishing there. And if they do turn it into a bird watching area, that'll be awsome! A lot of people have no idea how many different kinds of feathered friends are in this area!
my city, Oh
Posted 03:40 PM, 06/02/2009
Loren Eberly I wonder what it's like in your world? The drugs you did when you were younger REALLY messed you up. Every post you do makes absolutely NO SENSE at all!!!! I have to ask do you suffer from Schizophrenic Disorder and refuse to take your medications?
Stow, Oh
Posted 03:51 PM, 06/02/2009
It's great that Wingfoot is being perserved. Just hope the director of the Trust for Public Lands doesn't mess it up like he did Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
North Canton, Oh
Posted 04:03 PM, 06/02/2009
There is a crapload of Crappies in that lake, toxic or not I ate a bunch and I am still doing just fine, so it must not bee too toxic. I guess that I'll avoid the catfish. Get yourself a bucket of minnows and catch a limit of Crappies out of your boat there.
Akron, OHIO
Posted 04:29 PM, 06/02/2009
Obviously Big Mike has never been to the park, viewed the lake or the area involved. It appears he thinks the property is surrounded by factories that dump toxic waste into the lake, which couldn't be further from the truth. This area is peaceful, gorgeous and very quiet. I welcome Big Mike to drive out to Wingfoot Lake and view the park. While there, enjoy watching the Goodyear Blimp take off and land right across the lake.
Kandi, SL
Posted 04:32 PM, 06/02/2009
Many of the top soccer players to come out of the Akron area learned their moves on Wingfoot Lake's fields.
akron, OH
Posted 04:33 PM, 06/02/2009
@Snake Eyes, hear hear. That's one demented soul.
akron, oh
Posted 04:38 PM, 06/02/2009
sounds great just hope they don't put an admission charge on enjoying the place.
Paradise, Oh
Posted 05:19 PM, 06/02/2009
Loren Eberly, if I happened to be the mayor of Sterling, Ohio, I would put a big fence around your house.
Please don't hurt anybody.
Akron, Oh
Posted 06:12 PM, 06/02/2009
I HEARD THAT RIGHT NOW THE PORTAGE COUNTY SHERIFF IS ISSUING CRIMINAL TRESPASS CITATIONS TO ANYONE CAUGHT FISHING THE LAKE . MAINLY ON THE MISHLER ROAD ACCESS. THAT IS A REALLY EXPENSIVE FISHING TRIP , MAYBE EVERYONE SHOULD WAIT UNTIL THE PARK ACTUALLY OPENS UP FOR PUBLIC USE. THERE ARE TONS OF NO TRESPASSING SIGNS ALL OVER THE PLACE !!
akron, oh
Posted 07:53 PM, 06/02/2009
This is great,my husband cousin worked for goodyear and every year they had their family picnic there,it was great,we loved the paddle boats and the miniture golf,my husband brother and his son fished,we always had a great time. then as people got older or some passed away it ended,in the past only those who worked for goodyear could get the space,I would love to go back.
akron, oh
Posted 08:09 PM, 06/02/2009
loren is still at it. disqualified by his......he must have been restored to sanity.
Posted 08:19 PM, 06/02/2009
I hope they allow waterskiing on the lake. Great job State! Your unveiling a hiddne jewel.
Does anyone know how visible the hangar is from the lake? It would be awesome to watch take off and landings from the lake !!
New Philadelphia, OH
Posted 08:28 PM, 06/02/2009
WOW....that brings back some memories!!!! I use to work there in the early 80s while in high school. That was a great place to work for a young kid......met some great folks out there. That place use to get so busy on holiday weekends!! During the week, was the best time to enjoy the place. Use to camp there in the winter with the boy scouts. If anyone use to work there.....say hey!!! I was there from 80-82
akron, oh
Posted 08:34 PM, 06/02/2009
Loren as usual is a blubbering IDIOT! I'm sure that Obama has nothing better to do than go "Oh their is this little lake out in the middle of BFE Springfield township,Ohio and I think we should give the State of Ohio money to buy it." Yeah right. It's a very nice lake and I would rather see the State take it over and the general public be able to use it than for it to just sit. As a former Goodyear employee it IS NOT A TOXIC WASTE DUMP as some of the ignorant, misinformed on here have stated. It's about time that this little piece of heaven gets opened up to all. Connelly-the hanger isn't too visible-too many trees in between the lake and hanger but the blimp would most certainly be very visable from overhead. Not sure about waterskiing as I'm not sure about the depth of the lake, would be nice if possible.
Uniontown, Oh
Posted 09:42 PM, 06/02/2009
What a mixture of comments !
Water skiing? You like going around in 100 foot circles in 5 feet of water??? Although I love to water ski, it ruins a lake with erosion, and stirs up silt, quickly. Toxic? I've seen them dredging the lake, recently. I suspect it was lead removal from the skeet shooting over the water.
Let's wait until honest people can walk on the property with their heads held high. Sneaking in, like the vermin that constantly look to avoid the law, usually ends with accidents, injury, alcohol consumption, and trash all over the place.
If you plan to use the natural setting responsibly, you'll wait until the caretakers of the area make it safe and sustainable.
Posted 10:20 PM, 06/02/2009
another piece of akron history going bye bye
Posted 04:43 AM, 06/03/2009
Big Mike, the state has known for some fifteen years the problems at Wingfoot. You are correct the same agency that the Seiberling girl Fran Bucholzer was director with is now buying the property and the taxpayers will have the expense. Dept of Energy is however being asked to use funding being made available for the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion projects. The state had better be asking for the funding from DOE and finish the remediation's or they are liable at this point. The clock has started for more than one family. The UF6 centriguges, laser beams, and such did have drainage into the lake. I want to see due diligence paperwork. The dredging had better have taken more than lead away. Files are available and the state is welcome to copies. OEPA tried to warn them the past year or so but the other arm of the state is a Bucholzer arm.
Posted 04:48 AM, 06/03/2009
I thought the state was broke? Now they buy more land to maintain.
Posted 06:47 AM, 06/03/2009
$4638 per acre. That is land value in Portage. Good price and probably mostly funded by the tax we voted in last November.
Barberton, OH
Posted 06:58 AM, 06/03/2009
Dear David,
Hunters and Fishermen provided the bulk of the $.
Posted 12:25 PM, 06/03/2009
oh i love that place and hope they keep the recreational activities open for a long time to come.
Ravenna, OH
Posted 12:28 PM, 06/03/2009
Lot's of good memories there. Fishing, and Foremen's Club events.
mogadore, oh
Posted 12:38 PM, 06/03/2009
hunting???? are you kidding........make it a nice area for people then stick some hunters in the mix....oh nice work
Tallmadge, OHIO
Posted 12:52 PM, 06/03/2009
"If a partner cannot be found, the state probably will dismantle the recreational facilities in the future because recreation is not part of the division's mission, he said."
Of course, Portage County misses the boat again.
Their Commissioners are too busy trying to figure out how their kids can finish school on taxpayer money since the last scheme was uncovered.
And too few of the voters can spell "parks and recreation" to vote for money for the parks they already have.
Sooooo sad.
akron, oh
Posted 01:00 PM, 06/03/2009
When it is open to the public, go enjoy it. My father-in-law is a Goodyear employee and I have been there several times. The staff has taken care of the property very nicely. Great playgrounds and really nice green areas abound.
If this goverment gives you anything besides a wallet rape, take it and enjoy it while you can.
Posted 01:52 PM, 06/03/2009
Logic, how did Wingfoot being sold change to a slam on Portage Lakes? Thank God you don't live there.....
Lower Akron, OH
Posted 02:02 PM, 06/03/2009
Don't eat the fish if you catch any. And don't expect to swim or ski. That lake has a false bottom and is wayyyyyyyyyyy yucky.
akron, oh
Posted 02:36 PM, 06/03/2009
What is a false bottom? Is that like a trap door? Fish is perfectly fine-was stocked by the Goodyear Hunting and fishing club, and dregged to control weeds not for lead shot removal.
Posted 02:52 PM, 06/03/2009
olfuzzster you need to do your homework. Ask Nuclear Regulatory Commission why bottom feeders were/need tested periodically. Man, if you were a Goodyear employee you really had your head in the sand.
Posted 03:00 PM, 06/03/2009
Your right AkronCantonPet Sitting.com there was no factories with dumps just go inside the hangar and look at the cement circle and go down seven stories....have at it. AkronCantonPetSitting.com did down two feet and see what you smell. Two feet of topsoil was put on most of the properties. 55 gallon drums were taken out of the park in the late ninties. Man, where have you people been? You must have been one of the employees scared to death of losing your job if you caused a stir. You know what, alot of us were not employees! Eat catfish from the lake why don't you....have at it. Do not be surprised if you wake up glowing. Get your homework done!
akron, oh
Posted 05:34 PM, 06/03/2009
Hey Scout! I was a former employee there also..good times, good times. There's a facebook group for former Wingfoot Lake employees if you're interested....just started it a few weeks ago. Glad folks are going to be able to use the lake again. (sorry if this double posts, computer acting goofy)
Posted 01:43 AM, 06/04/2009
I'm real interested in this 7 story below ground part of the hangar. Any info would be appreciated.
I grew up fishing Wingfoot, mainly from the shore, but we launched from Copelands and Sislers whenever we had a few bucks. There is/was an area toward the southwest of the lake where 2 big rings of bubbles came from under the lake. There were plenty of times where the lake would cover over in inches of mossy film and dead turtles and fish would line the banks (these turtles were huge too, like 2'x2'). The theory was always that Goodyear facilities under the lake for top secret projects. Of course that was the talk amongst teens, but I've done some research over the past few years and there were fuel cell tests to gauge how well they held up under water/pressure. Who know how many of those failed. Some of the above comments regarding buildings still being on site may be true from what I've gathered. Goodyear allowed the Suffield Fire Dept to burn the barracks for training exercises (the military took over the facilities from 1917 - 1921 for war purposes and did not allow Goodyear access during this period).
The lead shot thing should concern everyone the most, why does anyone think its okay to have lead in a body of water, yet we cringe when we think of a child chewing on a lead painted window sill or Chinese made toy? Didn't the Romans go crazy because their water was supplied through lead pipe? I'd say the fish are okay to hang on your wall, but wait a few years to see if anybody gets sick before you start frying them for dinner (personal opinion). Bottom line is everyone needs to use common sense and not just believe what some scientist tells you (remember they're getting paid by someone and they will only state the levels are "safe". Safe based on what - the fact that its not going to kill you immediately?).
Akron, Oh
Posted 01:05 PM, 06/04/2009
I HEARD THEY ARE BRINGING BACK THAT MEAN OLD NASTY PARK MANAGER THAT WAS FORCED TO RETIRE . THAT GUY WAS A REAL HOOT !! WASN'T HIS NAME FRANK BALINT ? HE USED TO MAKE ALL THOSE KIDS WEAR A HARD HAT THAT WAS 10 SIZES TOO BIG FOR THEM !! THE LAST FEW YEARS THE PARK WAS OPENED WERE THE BEST TIMES THAT MY FAMILY AND I HAVE HAD THERE !! THE NEW PARK MANAGER DID AN EXCELLENT JOB RIGHT UP UNTIL THEY SHUT THE GATES . WE WILL MISS THIS PARK AS IT WAS PRIVATE FOR THE GOODYEAR FAMILY , WE ALL KNOW THAT MAKING IT STATE OWNED AND PUBLIC WILL BE NOTHING BUT ANOTHER NIMISILA RESERVOIR FOR A BUNCH OF FREAKS TO HANG OUT AFTER HOURS IN THE PARKING LOTS . IS THAT METAL SLIDING BOARD THAT TWISTED AND TURNED REALLY UP FOR SALE ON EBAY ? THE ONE THAT WOULD MAKE YOUR WHITE SHORTS BLACK BY THE END OF THE DAY .. RIP GOODYEARS WINGFOOT LAKE PARK .
