LISBON — Ohio Climbers Coalition volunteers plan to add 12 climbing routes on cliffs located on the Columbiana County Park District’s recently acquired Kerestes property outside Lisbon.

“We’re thrilled that it’s going to stay a park,” OCC Northern Ohio Stewardship Director Norm Swann said regarding the property also known as the Logtown stone quarry area.

Park district board members voted to approve the development proposal Swann presented during their meeting Tuesday, with no cost to the park district. All volunteers will sign waivers for the OCC and sign volunteer agreements required by the park district.

“I trust these peoples’ expertise. They know what they’re doing,” Park District Board Chairman Eileen Dray-Bardon said.

The park district originally believed the property being purchased included the cliffs that climbers have been using since the 1960s, but learned recently that the village of Lisbon actually owns that part. The property the park district purchase does have a cliffs area and that is what the OCC will develop.

Swann said the OCC will pay for the hardware needed to create the dozen new climbing routes, an estimated $1,500 worth, and do all the work. He explained that installation of the 6-inch stainless steel bolts needs to occur in cooler weather due to the epoxy placed in the holes for the bolts to set properly. He’s expecting each of the 12 routes to include four-to-six bolts, then close to the top two anchors for climbers to put their rope through.

“Development of these routes will require the removal of some vegetation from the cliffs as well as the removal of some small trees both above and below the cliffs. Tree removal is necessary to allow sunlight to reach the cliffs and keep the rock dry. Tree removal will be kept to a minimum for conservation purposes as well as to provide shady areas for climbers,” the proposal said.

Swann said they will limit themselves to a pair of chainsaws and use hand saws and shears to clean up the area. The expectation is that the work will take several months into late fall or early winter before the project is complete.

“I’d like to start as soon as possible,” Swann said.

Dray-Bardon thanked him and the OCC for working on that area. Benches will be installed, too.

In other business, the board went into executive session for personnel, likely to talk about three candidates who sent resumes of interest for the open spot on the board. No action was going to be taken, but Dray-Bardon said the board will make a recommendation on who Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Tom Baronzzi should appoint. The appointment will be up to Baronzzi.

The board scheduled the tax budget public hearing for 3 p.m. July 8, just a half hour before its next meeting, which is set for 3:30 p.m. July 8 at the park district office on Maple Street in Lisbon. The proposed draft budget for 2026 totals $80,320. Administrative Assistant Lisa Shafer said she allowed for more money for portajons and utilities, since both costs are expected to increase.

“Cash flow will be a continuing challenge for us,” Dray-Bardon said.

Board member Crystal Siembida Boggs asked if there was anyone in the area who could become a benefactor for the park district who could help cover the costs for any funding matches required for grants. She also suggested that the board members use this time to make people see the value of what the park district offers by promoting their programs and everything they do.

After learning there is apparently still a water line leak at the maintenance building, the board agreed to allow board Vice Chairman Tom Butch contact Salem Sewer & Drain for a quote on repairs or replacement. Butch previously noted that last year, the water bill seemed to be costing more, then when the water was turned back on in the spring, it seemed like the leak was gone, but now the bill is increasing again. Normally the cost is about $30 a month for the minimum, but now it’s creeped up to $48 a month. As stewards of a public facility, board member Dave Hughes said they should fix the issue.

The board also approved the payment plan for the district’s bill for the failed levy on the ballot in 2024. Dray-Bardon approached county Auditor Nancy Gause Milliken about paying the $11,201 bill. The money goes to the general fund, so she was told it had to be paid by the end of the year. Beginning in July, the park district will make monthly payments of $1,866.

The board agreed to contribute up to $300 for a Lisbon brochure with the village of Lisbon and the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce.