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Columbiana County has so much to offer. We are blessed with thousands of good, values-grounded citizens. We have strong school districts and businesses. We have a solid foundation of civic groups and churches. Great police, fire and first responder departments, too.
We have plenty of things to do. Plenty of places to take advantage of including a wonderful parks system.
Our parks are perhaps the biggest recreational attraction of our entire county. We need to keep it that way and we need to make the parks even better.
A levy supporting the Columbiana County Park District is on the March 19 ballot. It is 0.35 mills for a fixed term of five years. Anticipated cost of the levy to a homeowner of a property valued at $100,000 would be $1.03 per month of $12.25 per year according to the county auditor. Right, not much at all.
Now consider what the parks have to offer:
The Greenway Bike Trail attracts hundreds of users monthly including during wintertime. The paved trail covers 15 miles with convenient trailheads offering ample parking including those in Leetonia and Lisbon. It is popular with bike riders, joggers, walkers and even baby stroller-pushers. Folks of all ages during all seasons utilize the trail -- staying healthy at their own paces while enjoying nature. The trail has spawned friendships and good will. It is a social meeting place. Young children to seniors can be found at any time on the trail.
Hellbender Bluff Park covers 752 acres. It was purchased with the help of the Nature Conservancy and Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources.
Scenic Vista Park, just outside of Lisbon, covers 250 acres and even sports a Disc Golf Course.
To re-emphasize, what is great about the county parks is that they are easily accessible and can be used by anyone of any age at any time. Plus being surrounded by the seasonal beauty of nature while working on -- for many of us -- inner peace and circadian rhythms-- is a fantastic way to exercise or to just sit on a hillside and take it all in.
Many folks visit from out of the area. They spend money here, using restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, gas stations, etc. Even if you do not use the parks for whatever reason, you are likely know someone who does. Maybe a family member or close friend.
The only ongoing annual revenue the county park district receives is $15,000 from the local government fund. For the past 13 years, the Columbiana County Park District has used gas lease signing bonus fund received in 2011 to operate. These were one-time funds and will be depleted soon. It is critical to emphasize this fact: the Park District does not now and never has received county general funds for operations. Not a dime. Volunteers and donations help but certainly can't carry the burden of upkeep.
According to supporters, with passage the levy will provide:
-- Opportunities to work with communities throughout the county to create or improve parks and to preserve our county's natural and historical heritage.
--Improved facilities at all county parks including but not limited to water and electricity, restrooms, trail markers and interpretive signage.
Improved maintenance at all existing county parks and the Greenway Trail.
--Repairs and repaving of the Greenway Trail.
Nobody likes a new tax. But if there ever was one that is deserved and crucial it is the parks levy. At about a dollar or so a month it would be an absolute bargain. We urge all voters to support the March 19 parks levy. Help keep the sheen on a genuine Columbiana County gem.