To the editor:

Did you know the Columbiana County Park District owns and operates Scenic Vista Park in Center township, Hellbender Park in Madison township and 12 miles of the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail? All of this is done with three part-time employees and volunteers and a five-member Park Board, all of whom are volunteers. 

Did you know that the park district’s only guaranteed revenue is $15,000 from Local Government Funds distributed through the County Commissioners’ Office? The park district has been operating for over 10 years on the one-time receipts from timber sales in 2008 and gas and oil lease money received in 2011, both of which will soon be gone. Most major construction projects are funded by state or federal grants, but these usually require a 20-25% local match.

All of these parks provide recreational opportunities not only for the families of Columbiana County but also draw people from other areas providing an economic boost to our local economy. 

The Park Board has sought input from local residents and developed a 5-year plan to maintain and upgrade the Greenway Trail and the other county parks allowing them to continue to provide enjoyment now and lasting for future generations. The Park District has posted this plan on its website at columbianacountyparkdistrict.org

The Park District currently has no levy and receives no local tax dollars and is seeking support for a .35 mill levy on November 8th. This levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 house $12/year. 

Our parks are an asset to our local community that can continue to provide recreational opportunities for years to come. For all of these reasons, we ask for your support on November 8th. 

David Hughes,

Park Board Member