Levy is needed to keep county park system viable

By Dan Hrinko

5:27 PM Saturday, July 31, 2010

The recent editorial on parks and recreation in the News-Sun made several excellent points.

The editors are correct in pointing out that the National Trails Parks and Recreation District was formed with the goal of unifying the parks and recreation system in Springfield and Clark County to the benefit of all.

Had this endeavor been successful and gotten the support of the community, we would not be holding this discussion or be concerned about the condition and future support of the parks and recreation system in Clark County.

The editors were also correct in pointing out that differences of opinion between the county government and city commission about funding proved to be a serious problem to the implementation of this goal.

What is missed in this editorial is the fact that the Clark County Park District was a full partner in the National Trails Parks and Recreation District, turning over everything they had, including all money, as part of the formation of this agency.

Unfortunately, the bickering between the city and county governments resulted in the Clark County Park District being unilaterally moved from this partnership, even though they had lived up to all expectations as a partner in the National Trails Parks and Recreation District.

This leaves the Clark County Park District fully independent from and receiving no financial assistance from the city government, county government or National Trails Parks and Recreation District.

While the city and county governments continue to debate about who is responsible for funding the National Trails Parks and Recreation District, the Clark County Park District is in dire need of financial support to maintain their responsibilities.

The Clark County Park District is responsible for the care and safety of sensitive wetlands, green spaces, bike trails and historical sites which have no way of charging fees to cover the cost of operation.

As the Springfield News-Sun has already said, we cannot maintain our Clark County Park District responsibilities on bake sales and fund-raising events. As a result, the Clark County Park District is requesting your support in the form of a real estate levy that will cost each household about $15 each year. That is less than the cost of one cup of coffee each month.

Without this support, places like George Rogers Clark Park, the second most popular community park in all of Springfield and Clark County, as well as the bike trails, will be sorely neglected and may even be closed from time to time.

The News-Sun is also correct in pointing out that, as a community, we will have the parks and recreation system that we are willing to pay for.

At this time, we are asking for your support for the specific parts of the parks and recreation system that are operated by the Clark County Park District and are used by all of the citizens of Clark County, including those who live in the City of Springfield, New Carlisle, Enon and all parts of this community.

Dan Hrinko was a member and president of the Clark County Park District Board of Commissioners from 1993 until 1999. He was the chairman of the task force that resulted in the formation of the National Trails Parks and Recreation District, and was a member of the board of the National Trails Parks and Recreation District from its inception in September 1999 until September 2008 serving as vice chairman for several years.

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