Assumed Meets Fiction
Wikipedia defines Fiction as any creative work consisting of people, events or places that are imaginary. I am writing in response to a Geauga County Maple Leaf Letter to the Editor entitled, “Grendell Restaurant Guide.” The letter is dated June 3, 2021, and was submitted by Dave Partington.
Some of you may remember Mr. Partington for his series about “Binky.” Fast forward to June 3, as Mr. Partington slights the reader with phrases like “as we all know,” “thus, it can be assumed” and “suspicion of a quid pro quo.”
The fact is, the Grendell Restaurant Guide narrative is far from the truth. Geauga Park District’s Picnic in the Park initiative was created to better engage our Geauga County restaurant community at large. Despite Mr. Partington’s presumption of quid pro quo, a press release was distributed back in March inviting all Geauga restaurants to participate in a Picnic in the Park collaboration.
The initiative was intended to give an industry that struggled during COVID-19 the opportunity to promote itself alongside our organization. It was done in the hopes of ramping up carryout orders to be enjoyed by your family at a favorite Geauga Park District shelter, lodge or picnic table.
As has been the case since my inception as your Executive Director, the initiative is another creative reflection of our staff’s commitment to expanding park services throughout our Geauga community. Today’s parks are more diverse in offerings. Parks and Nature are more accessible than ever.
Despite the fictional wanderings of our few critics, our parks, programs and initiatives are widely popular with our residents. This is a result of purposeful leadership by our competent Board of Park Commissioners and staff.
I hope your family has the opportunity to grab carryout from one of our local restaurants and enjoy as a picnic in Geauga Park District this summer. It’s a perfect opportunity to leave the nonsense behind.
John Oros, Executive Director
Geauga Park District
