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Dear Editor:
As the Primary Election Day approaches, I want to ask residents to think of an important issue close to home. Thompson Park is asking for the passage of a 2-mill capital improvement levy. The park receives money annually from the city of East Liverpool to cover superintendent salary, insurance and utilities. These funds, as well as donations of both time and money from the community, barely allow for the park to be maintained. The money generated through a levy would be used for the many improvements needed throughout the park.
While it was helpful for the city to pave one of the park’s worst roads, the remaining roads in the park remain in deplorable condition. In order for these roads to be repaired and repaved properly, drainage pipes need to be replaced so the asphalt will not deteriorate over time.
And, sadly this is just the beginning of the park’s needs. Much of the equipment used to care for the park is in desperate need of replacement. The pickup truck, which is used for many purposes, including plowing snow, is nearly 20-years-old and is in constant need of repair. Much of the other equipment, including mowers and trimmers, are anywhere from 12- to 25-years-old, and a push mower still in use is nearly 30-years-old. Frequent breakdowns are costly in terms of both time and money. The roofing and the flooring of the four pavilions are greatly in need of repair. The concrete floors of two of the pavilions are so badly cracked, they have become a safety hazard.
As much as Thompson Park has been labeled “The Gem of East Liverpool,” I think we would all like to see the park flourish and not lose its sparkle. Think of the many times you’ve enjoyed walking, playing, picnicking or just sitting in the park and enjoying the beautiful seasonal foliage. Now think of a park with structures in disrepair, more potholes in the roads, weeds taking over, and grass that needs to be mown. That is the future of Thompson Park if it doesn’t get a little help from the people who love and enjoy it.
The passage of this levy will allow the needs of the park to be prioritized and more adequately addressed. The board plans to adopt a 5-year improvement plan – input from city residents always is welcome.
On March 15, please vote “yes” for the park levy so the “gem” of East Liverpool will continue to shine.
Betsy B. Wells
Thompson Park Board president