Bainbridge to Consider Groups Using Centerville Mills Buildings

September 20, 2012 by Diane Ryder

During a special work session on Centerville Mills Monday, Bainbridge Township Trustees told residents the township does not have enough money to repair and maintain all the park’s remaining buildings.

However, the board heard from groups that may have a solution to their dilemma.

The township took ownership of the century old former YMCA camp in 2005 and has debated ever since about what to do with the aging facilities in the 165-acre park.

An advisory committee concluded in 2006 that the township had five options for the property and recommended that it be used primarily as a passive park.

Trustees sold off the camp’s horses and boats, filled in its swimming pool, and demolished many of the cabins and other deteriorated buildings.

They repaired several of the main buildings and have long term leases on some. They rent out the others for a variety of events.

In June, trustees toured the park with Properties Director David Mitchell, who created a detailed report on the buildings’ usage, income and expenses.

Mitchell said Monday the park has cost the township $61,000 so far this year in maintenance and has brought in about $35,000 in rental revenue.

He listed the times it has been used for weddings, family reunions, company picnics and a recent successful township-sponsored ox roast.

“Here at Centerville Mills, the difference is we’re allowed to rent to non-residents,” Mitchell said, adding the dining hall has the only commercially licensed kitchen among all township-owned facilities.

“Everyone knows how I feel about Centerville Mills,” Mitchell said. “If you’re not going to use it, knock it down, but before you knock it down, make sure it’s what you want to do.”

Resident Lynn Fagerholm, who has used the park for science education for kids, said, “One thing I value very much is that Centerville Mills has many different components on one property, including wetlands, prairie, woodlands, a lake and even a kitchen, all on one setting.”

However, resident Rob Snyder said he believed the activities the park offers are also available at county and township parks.

“I appreciate what everyone’s saying, but Centerville Mills has competition; we need to look at what we’re spending,” Snyder said. “I manage a soccer team and I see the money spent on one of these old buildings when you’re not mowing the lawns.”

Ted Seliga, who attends most trustee meetings said he believes there’s duplication of facilities with the Geauga Park District.

“It’s convenient to have this here, but my issue is the cost of maintenance and our liability,” Seliga said. “If this (closed), could there be somewhere else people could go? The answer is yes.”

Trustee Jeff Markley said the park is an emotional issue with Mitchell, those who have memories of it as a YMCA camp, those who use the park and Crackel Road residents who live near Centerville Mills.

“I get that,” Markley said. “In 2005, my decisions were made with my heart, but I’ve become a little more cold hearted than I was six years ago.”

Markley said the township no longer has the money to repair and maintain all of its facilities with its current general fund, which is rapidly dwindling.

The $15 million investment fund from estate taxes during the last decade is now slightly more than $1 million, he said.

“Would you be willing to pass a quarter mill levy to maintain the parks?” Markley said. “We’re trying to avoid that.”

Markley assured the audience that the park will not be closed and there will be no park operating levy this year. 

“We have to be cognizant of the numbers,” Trustee Lorrie Sass Benza said. “I said that six years ago, that Centerville Mills is a diamond in the rough, but it hasn’t become the diamond.”

She added that she was disappointed to see only 20 people — most of them park officials, group representatives or media — at the meeting.

“The knowledge of this meeting was out there,” Sass Benza said. “There are 12,980 people who are not here. I hear and appreciate the passion of those who are here.”

Representatives from three groups — the Seabees Auxiliary, the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts — told trustees they would be willing to take over exclusive rights to the remaining park buildings, be responsible for their repair and upkeep, and use them to expand their programs.

“If we have the Seabees and scouts willing to have that responsibility, and have a contract in writing, that would be fine,” Sass Benza said. “If those groups can compile a written proposal, meet with the park board and come back to the trustees with a concrete plan, we’ll consider it.”

Seabees Lt. Commander Bob Hooven said he has a written proposal he will present to the park board Wednesday and scout leaders agreed to present their proposals by the park board’s Oct. 17 meeting.

All three groups will be happy to work together, their leaders assured trustees.

Markley said he will ask Service Director Jim Stanek to compile a list of qualified architects or engineers who can assess the condition of each building and estimate the cost of repairs and maintenance.