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City park program ‘in jeopardy’

Official says Virginia Avenue Park not eligible, 'in jeopardy'.

Bob Harris

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By Linda Ebbing , Staff Writer Updated 6:35 PM Monday, June 8, 2009

HAMILTON — Funding from community development block grants will cover the cost of six playground programs scheduled to open throughout Hamilton on Monday, June 15.

However, the Virginia Avenue Park is not eligible for CDBG funding and “is now very much in jeopardy,” said Bob Harris, director of the city’s parks and recreation department.

Because of the current economic situation, Hamilton City Council designated that any playground program site normally funded with general fund dollars be eliminated, Harris said.

Sites supported by CDBG dollars are Wayne “Sutherland” Park, Greenwood/Heaton, Symmes Park, BTW Park, Benninghoffen Park and Minor Avenue Park.

“Playground programs offers youth constructive use of their time with meaningful recreation opportunities,” Harris said. “It allows them to meet new friends and have mentors through the recreational leaders and enjoy the endless benefits of parks and recreation.”

Half of the $6,500 needed to support the Virginia Avenue Park program has been donated, Harris said.

Donations for the programs should be designated for the parks and recreation department and can made at the Hamilton Community Foundation.

For information about making a donation, call the community foundation at (513) 863-1717.

Parks are scheduled to be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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Dear Wondering,
He does not look like Gary Busey. I always thought he looked more like John Elway. This is a bad picture. About the parks, take it from his wife, Bob loves this city, the whole city and wants viable parks and recreation programing for every Hamilton citizen, North, South, East, and West. Unfortunately, grant dollars can only be used under certain conditions. Let your council know if you want more spending on Parks or programs in your area.

Bob's Wife
8:22 PM, 6/9/2009

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How about the county quit printing documents in Spanish, how about no Spanish signs in the city/county buildings. Shut down a free clinic and a social agency or two and there will be plenty of money for the parks.

In fact, cut out all of the entitlement spending and repair the roads with the money instead, it will be better spent.

NoMoreBS
3:54 PM, 6/9/2009

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Concerneddad, I just wanted to let you know that the Wayne "Sutherland" Park is on the west side. It is the park on Park Ave. and "D" St.

anonymous
1:32 PM, 6/9/2009

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Why is the only funded park programs on the East side??? Our kids on the West Side of town deserve a chance to have fun this summer. Why are we the only ones being penalized? I pay my taxes just like everybody else. Who decides what parks get funded and which ones don't?

concerneddad
11:20 AM, 6/9/2009

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Is it just me, or does Bob Harris look a whole lot like Gary Busey (pre-crazy)?

I'm just sayin' :-)

wondering
8:58 AM, 6/9/2009

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