I would like to clear up a misconception.
The skating rink is not responsible for the Clark County Park District’s money problems.
The skating rink is not responsible for feeding ducks in Snyder Park.
The skating rink is not responsible for the national debt, flat feet or that inadequate feeling you get when people find out you don’t have a Facebook page.
Defunding the skating rink would not add a penny to the county’s park budget.
Whatever you think of the ice rink, please know this: The skating rink is not part of the Clark County Park District.
Let me repeat that. The skating rink is not part of the Clark County Park District.
In fact, the skating rink is part of a promise made when National Trail Parks and Recreation District was first formed.
The money raised for the National Trail Parks and Recreation District was $9.9 million from public and $7.5 million from private sources. It was pledged for several capital projects, including the rink. The money cannot be used for operating expenses.
Let me repeat that. The ice rink funds cannot be used for operating expenses for the Clark County Parks District or the National Trail Parks and Recreation District.
You, like me, may not be a fan of ice skating. I have never ice skated without falling on my butt, I hate hockey and the worst part of any Olympics has to be figure skating.
However, many people here do like ice sports and many more will once there’s a place to do it.
I say good for them. Build it and they will come.
But here’s what I don’t understand.
There are a lot of things around here that I don’t personally use, but I’m happy they’re here. They make this a better place just by providing a lot of choice, especially for children.
Any business looking to locate here isn’t going to be impressed with parks closed because residents couldn’t spring for the few bucks it takes to maintain them.
If your idea of a good place to live is one void of public accommodations, at least ones that you don’t personally use, then I respectfully disagree with your worldview.
And if county parks don’t seem like something the county should pay for, OK. It’s a democracy.
But please be clear about your reasoning and leave the ice rink out of it.
Contact Tom Hawkins, editorial page editor of the Springfield News-Sun, at 328-0343 or thawkins@coxohio.com.
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