Licking County parks in jeopardy after levy failure
The parks of the Licking Park District remain open for now, but closure is likely next year if an
operating levy isn't approved or an alternative source of funding found.
Director Russ Edgington said it's likely the parks would be back on the ballot in November, following the May 4 defeat at the polls. Voters rejected the 0.2-mill levy 17,932 votes to 19,895 votes, or 47.4 percent in favor to 52.59 percent against it.
"We had an effective, bare-bones campaign," he said. "We had difficulty raising funds to promote the levy. Now we have to go back to supporters and ask them to give more to do a more effective job."
The park district sought approval of a five-year, 0.2-mill levy that would have raised about $740,000 annually for park operations. It would have cost an additional $6 annually for every $100,000 of assessed property value.
"We ask them not to consider it a tax," Edgington said. "Fifty cents a month isn't a significant amount of money. It's less than you spend on a pop. It's an investment in the community. These are treasures that are used and scrutinized when businesses and families look at relocating."
The May primary marked the district's seventh try at the ballot in about 20 years, with the most recent unsuccessful attempt in 2006.
"Residents have enjoyed 20 years of not spending money for the parks, and it's running out," Edgington said. "We need to find an alternative source of funding."
The Licking County commissioners cut the parks budget by 53 percent, or $300,000, this year as part of a 10-percent overall reduction in county spending. The county has provided about 90 percent of the park's budget.
The strain is showing. Edgington and the district's park ranger are performing maintenance at park facilities.
"I think people are seeing the effects now," Edgington said. "We're down to four staff (in addition to Edgington). The park ranger and I are doing maintenance, and we aren't doing as good a job as our contractors. Parks are mowed but not as good as park standards.
"I spent the entire morning fielding calls from people about bike trails that aren't our bike trails," Edgington said. "There are serious problems countywide with recreational (amenities)."
He said the remaining staff members are trying to remain as upbeat as possible, and they're working hard to keep the parks maintained the best they can.
"Things won't be as pristine as they were," Edgington said. "We have limited resources we're working on."
The district currently employs Edgington, a park ranger, a special-projects coordinator, a public-information specialist and a director/secretary. Former park operations administrator Rich Niccum resigned about a month ago to take a position with Preservation Parks in Delaware County.
The parks district's staff members are responsible for 1,500 acres of green space and more than 36 miles of bike trails. Park facilities include Infirmary Mound Park in Granville; Frederick R. Reese Preserve in Mary Ann Township; Lobdell Reserve in Alexandria; Morris Woods State Nature Preserve near Johnstown; Ohio Canal Greenway near Hebron; Palmer Road Swamp Preserve in Etna Township; Riverview Preserve in Newark; T.J. Evans Recreational Trail between west Newark and Johnstown; Taft Reserve and William C. Kraner Nature Center in the southeast side of the county; and Tyler Powell Preserve in Pataskala.
The parks see about 80,000 visitors annually, with Infirmary being the most popular, according to parks district information.
Director Russ Edgington said it's likely the parks would be back on the ballot in November, following the May 4 defeat at the polls. Voters rejected the 0.2-mill levy 17,932 votes to 19,895 votes, or 47.4 percent in favor to 52.59 percent against it.
"We had an effective, bare-bones campaign," he said. "We had difficulty raising funds to promote the levy. Now we have to go back to supporters and ask them to give more to do a more effective job."
The park district sought approval of a five-year, 0.2-mill levy that would have raised about $740,000 annually for park operations. It would have cost an additional $6 annually for every $100,000 of assessed property value.
"We ask them not to consider it a tax," Edgington said. "Fifty cents a month isn't a significant amount of money. It's less than you spend on a pop. It's an investment in the community. These are treasures that are used and scrutinized when businesses and families look at relocating."
The May primary marked the district's seventh try at the ballot in about 20 years, with the most recent unsuccessful attempt in 2006.
"Residents have enjoyed 20 years of not spending money for the parks, and it's running out," Edgington said. "We need to find an alternative source of funding."
The Licking County commissioners cut the parks budget by 53 percent, or $300,000, this year as part of a 10-percent overall reduction in county spending. The county has provided about 90 percent of the park's budget.
The strain is showing. Edgington and the district's park ranger are performing maintenance at park facilities.
"I think people are seeing the effects now," Edgington said. "We're down to four staff (in addition to Edgington). The park ranger and I are doing maintenance, and we aren't doing as good a job as our contractors. Parks are mowed but not as good as park standards.
"I spent the entire morning fielding calls from people about bike trails that aren't our bike trails," Edgington said. "There are serious problems countywide with recreational (amenities)."
He said the remaining staff members are trying to remain as upbeat as possible, and they're working hard to keep the parks maintained the best they can.
"Things won't be as pristine as they were," Edgington said. "We have limited resources we're working on."
The district currently employs Edgington, a park ranger, a special-projects coordinator, a public-information specialist and a director/secretary. Former park operations administrator Rich Niccum resigned about a month ago to take a position with Preservation Parks in Delaware County.
The parks district's staff members are responsible for 1,500 acres of green space and more than 36 miles of bike trails. Park facilities include Infirmary Mound Park in Granville; Frederick R. Reese Preserve in Mary Ann Township; Lobdell Reserve in Alexandria; Morris Woods State Nature Preserve near Johnstown; Ohio Canal Greenway near Hebron; Palmer Road Swamp Preserve in Etna Township; Riverview Preserve in Newark; T.J. Evans Recreational Trail between west Newark and Johnstown; Taft Reserve and William C. Kraner Nature Center in the southeast side of the county; and Tyler Powell Preserve in Pataskala.
The parks see about 80,000 visitors annually, with Infirmary being the most popular, according to parks district information.
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