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Michael D. Pitman reports about Butler County, Ohio, politics, county government, countywide issues and Butler County people just like you for Cox Ohio Publishing (including the Hamilton JournalNews, Middletown Journal and several weekly papers in Butler County). He wants your suggestions and questions for more news stories. Leave a comment for him here or e-mail Michael at Home > Blogs > Butler County News and Issues > Archives > 2010 > November > 23 > Entry
MetroParks will reopen parks ASAP (but not immediately)
The MetroParks board held its regular monthly meeting on Monday and the board voted to reopen the closed parks as soon as possible. However, as soon as possible means in the spring.
The new revenue source approved by voters in November won’t be available for MetroParks until the spring, and park reopenings can only begin when funding is in hand. A five-year, 0.5 mill levy was approved by voters Nov. 2 and will generate $3.8 million annually.
The parks district, according to its press release, “can only begin to make progress on the areas as funds allow. Work needs to be completed before reopening them to insure all safety and maintenance issues are solved.
The proposal to reopen parks was submitted to the board is as follows: - Indian Creek Pioneer Church (April 2011) - Antenen Nature Preserve, (May 2011) - Woodsdale Regional Park (June 2011) - Gilmore Ponds (July 2011) - Upper Indian Creek (October 2011)
“We would like to get every park area opened tomorrow if we could, but that is just not feasible,” said MetroParks board president Ed Dwyer
Plans submitted include improving parking areas, weeding, mowing, trail clearing, garbage pickup, and bridge and trail repairs. It will cost about $70,000 to bring the five park areas “back to minimal levels.” Most of the work will be completed by current staff, though some work may be contracted out.
Beginning next year, Butler County residents can also anticipate a fee free visit to the parks, according to the parks district. Non-residents will still be required to pay either a daily or annual fee.
Thoughts?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: MetroParks
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By larry
November 23, 2010 2:15 PM | Link to this
These parks are something that the taxpayers really “doesn’t need” during this recession/depression. Actually, it is just another government agency that needs funding, an agency that we don’t really “need”.
By bluecorvettemom
November 23, 2010 11:35 PM | Link to this
The Park Levy passed which means the majority of the voters WANT the parks to reopen. The majority has spoken and voted for the opened parks to be upgraded to make them more usuable. I for one voted YES! I love visiting the Metro Parks!
By null
November 24, 2010 8:18 AM | Link to this
Remember the volunteers who help support the Parks staff. Dedicated OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are involved from April to November. Young and adult park visitors are getting an education in horticulture and agriculture.
By Nana of a few scouts
December 9, 2010 9:56 AM | Link to this
Ok, some weeding and a few other “housekeeping” things need done. Why don’t they see if they can get some Scout troops in for that? Offer them a patch, or other incentives? Years ago, my GS troop did volunteer work at Germantown Preserve, and had a ball. Scouts are always looking for Eagle or Gold Award projects. This would fit right in.
By Nana of a few scouts
December 9, 2010 9:56 AM | Link to this
Ok, some weeding and a few other “housekeeping” things need done. Why don’t they see if they can get some Scout troops in for that? Offer them a patch, or other incentives? Years ago, my GS troop did volunteer work at Germantown Preserve, and had a ball. Scouts are always looking for Eagle or Gold Award projects. This would fit right in.
By Nana of a few scouts
December 9, 2010 9:57 AM | Link to this
Ok, some weeding and a few other “housekeeping” things need done. Why don’t they see if they can get some Scout troops in for that? Offer them a patch, or other incentives? Years ago, my GS troop did volunteer work at Germantown Preserve, and had a ball. Scouts are always looking for Eagle or Gold Award projects. This would fit right in.