We get the part that many of you have already voted. But if not, certainly give consideration to supporting Columbiana County’s gem of a parks system.

On the Nov. 5 ballot is a new .10 mill, five-year levy asking voters to help maintain park properties which includes the vastly popular Greenway Trail.

If approved, the levy would generate about $258,000 annually — costing the owner of a $100,000 home a total of $3.50 per year. That’s not a typo: $3.50 per year or a bit over 29 cents per month.

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.

Previous attempts by the Columbiana County Park District board did fail, most recently a .35 mill, five-year parks levy last March. The decision was made to try again with a smaller “ask.”

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 paved parking lots 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. Autumn will its robust colors and tolerable outdoors temperatures is a perfect backdrop to spend time in the parks, especially the Greenway Trail.

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. 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.

Nobody likes a new tax. But c’mon: $3.50 a year! If the passage of a levy was ever deserved this is it. Less than 30 cents per month would be an absolute bargain. We urge all voters to support the Nov. 5 parks levy. Help keep the sheen on a genuine Columbiana County gem.