Letters to the Editor
Will Snowmobiles and ATV‘s be ‘Buzzing’ Your Backyard?
At the Geauga Park District’s board of commissioners’ Sept. 20 meeting, the board voted 2-1 in favor of authorizing the executive director to execute a 50-Year Use Agreement between the Village of Middlefield and the Geauga Park District to provide a recreational trail (Maple Highlands Trail, South.) Article 1.1 of this contract states:
“In the year 2017, district will make improvements to the Maple Highlands Trail (South) in order to establish a recreational trail to serve multiple user groups. Permitted uses will include horse and buggy, horseback riding, bicyclists, walkers, runners, motorized or non-motorized mobility devices and snowmobiles, and/or any other uses mutually agreed to by district and Middlefield throughout the 50-year term of this agreement, so long as both parties amend this agreement in writing. All user groups will comply with federal and state laws.”
Protect Geauga Parks sees Article 1.1 of this agreement as the first step toward officially opening the Maple Highlands Trail to snowmobiles and other motorized recreational vehicles.
For over 50 years, rules against the use of motorized recreational vehicles have been in place to protect park users, wildlife within the parks and property owners near the parks from the noise, pollution and destruction frequently caused by motorized recreational vehicles.
This departure from longstanding Geauga Park District rules prohibiting the use of motorized recreational vehicles in our parks was made with no notice to the public or to property owners near the Maple Highlands Trail. The safety of walkers, horse riders, buggy drivers and property owners all stand to be dramatically impacted by the proximity of fast-moving vehicles tearing along park trails. Just as the noise and exhaust from these recreational vehicles is likely to be detrimental to the peaceful enjoyment of any property near the trail.
We encourage property owners along the Maple Highlands Trail to examine any use agreements that were made when the trail was planned. This new use may be in violation of previous agreements.
We encourage the citizens of Middlefield to question your council members and mayor about the wisdom of entering into this contract.
We encourage all citizens of Geauga County to protest this under handed inclusion and demand greater transparency from the park director and board. As the park board has refused to hear or respond to the public, be sure to alert your town council members, county commissioners and Ohio representatives of your concerns.
Kathryn Hanratty
President, Protect Geauga Parks
Vote for Terri McIntee
Terri McIntee is running for state representative for the 76th District. This district covers most of Geauga and northern Portage counties.
Terri grew up in Burton and attended Berkshire High School. She has a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Development. I have known Terri for almost eight years as I have cared for her son who has Down syndrome.
I see Terri as an asset to our counties. She currently works at the Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga as part of the State Support Team. Terri works with districts who are in School Improvement, families of students with disabilities who seek a better understanding of the educational laws, and leadership development around Family Engagement.
I will vote for Terri on Nov. 8 because of her caring and compassion for all people. She always sees the possibilities in people regardless of their abilities.
Terri guides and coaches people to be better leaders. She is a passionate advocate for children and family issues, education and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Terri focuses on what needs to be done, builds coalitions and breaks down barriers for people who have similar issues, and strategically moves the task to conclusion.
Please consider Terri McIntee for state representative. You will not be sorry for your vote. Put your trust in a well-qualified person who has proven leadership abilities.
Marlene Remias
Chagrin Falls
