Letters to Editor
Park Board Gutting Mission
Geauga Park District board is gutting the park district’s mission statement and abandoning conservation and protection of natural areas.
At their June 10 board meeting, the park board published proposed changes to the bylaws of the park system. The mission statement of the Geauga County parks is clear in its intent:
“The mission of Geauga Park District is to preserve, conserve and protect the natural features of Geauga County and to provide the opportunity for people to enjoy and appreciate those resources.”
In Article I of the proposed new bylaws, the entire mission is deliberately changed and destroyed.
Original text:
“ARTICLE I STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
“The Geauga County Park District (Geauga Park District) was established in accordance with Section 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code. Geauga Park District was created to conserve, preserve and protect the natural resources of the State, including forests, fields, streams, lakes and wetlands, and the plants and animals which live in these habitats.
“The Mission of the Geauga Park District is to preserve, conserve, and protect the natural features of Geauga County and to provide outdoor recreational experiences to our residents visitors that exceed their expectations. A small percentage of some of the park may be physically developed for recreational use and when this is not in conflict with the objectives of protection and conservation. The development of visitor facilities shall not conflict with the primary objectives of preservation, conservation, and protection.”
The revised Article I:
“ARTICLE I STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
“The Geauga County Park District (Geauga Park District) was established in accordance with Section 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code. Geauga Park District was created to conserve, preserve and protect the natural resources of the State, including forests, fields, and streams, lakes and wetlands, and the plants and animals which live in these habitats.
“The Mission of the Geauga Park District is to preserve, conserve and protect the natural features of Geauga County and to provide outdoor recreational experiences to our residents of every age, every ability, and at all times of the year. Portions of the Park areas may be physically developed for recreational use as needed to meet the recreational needs of Geauga County residents and portions may be preserved in their natural state for future generations.”
This new statement of intent indicates that one of the purposes of the park system is to provide recreational activities. But is this hiking, nature observation, biking, canoeing. Not by a longshot!!
In addition, a new section of potentially approved activities in the park is included:
“XXI ACTIVITIES
“Subject to limitations and revisions by the Park Board, persons may partake of any activity within the Park which is expressly allowed by the Park District in its Constitution and By-Laws and/or Rules and Regulations. Recreational activities may be permitted at present or in the future by the Board in designated areas and subject to any restrictions and limitations imposed by the Board for use as further defined within. Recreational activities include but are not limited to: ….”
The list is too long but included ATVs, dirtbikes, field hockey, firearms range, gas and oil drilling, hockey, lacrosse, mountain biking, rugby, skateboarding, skate parks and sporting clays.
I ask the citizens of Geauga County if this is what they want in their parks. If you want to have a voice in the future of the natural areas in Geauga, please come to one of the Town Hall meetings.
Here is the schedule:
Strategic Plan 2015-2025 Town Hall Meetings
Time 6:45 PM
• Sept. 11: Swine Creek Reservation (Lodge)
• Sept. 23: West Geauga Library
• Oct. 7: Bainbridge Town Hall
• Oct.23: Observatory Park (Science Center)
• Oct. 28: Kent State Geauga Campus
Sandy Buckles
Troy Township
