Pickerington Times-Sun March 25, 2008
City, township to revisit talks about joint parks district
By NICHOLAS A. LA TORRE
Published: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 10:37 AM EDT
Violet Township is entertaining the possibility of a joint park district with the city of Pickerington to preserve parkland and implement green space initiatives.
A meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., April 23, in the township meeting room, 12970 Rustic Drive in Pickerington, to debate the advantages and disadvantages of a move.
''This would be a totally new government entity, they will run their own things,'' said Township Board of Trustees Chairman Terry Dunlap.
''That could be a good thing or a bad thing. That's why we want a committee to research it.''
According to Pickerington's Interim City Manager Tim Hansley, the district has been mulled over for the past 3 to 5 years.
The need stems from the fact that the number of users of parks and recreation property is much higher than the actual number of taxpaying citizens in Pickerington.
Hansley estimates 35,000 users of parks and recreation property while the city has only about 16,000 residents.
''For too long the funding has been riding on the backs of the citizens and we can't continue to do this much longer,'' Hansley said.
''If the residents want more outdoor parks and bike paths, we probably should develop this district.''
Hansley said that the city has debated putting a levy on the ballot before, but there has always been a fire levy or a school levy.
The survey from Violet Township indicating the residents' desire for parkland showed that there will be no time greater than now.
''It takes both parties to agree before action is taken,'' Hansley said.
''This is basically a way to manage and raise funding for parkland.''
People are moving from Hilliard and Dublin where they are used to more places with indoor facilities and asking ''why are we different?'' Hansley said.
''It would be a recreational master plan. A way to match the needs for land and the funding,'' Hansley said.
Even if the district fails on a ballot, at least people have started talking about it, Hansley said.
The Joint Park District will be discussed by the Pickerington Parks and Recreation Board during its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., March 24 in council chambers.
The trustees are asking residents and community members to become involved in the discussions and planning.
For questions, contact the Township Administrative Offices at 614-575-5556.
By Oldtimer
City, township to revisit talks about joint parks district
By NICHOLAS A. LA TORRE
Published: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 10:37 AM EDT
Violet Township is entertaining the possibility of a joint park district with the city of Pickerington to preserve parkland and implement green space initiatives.
A meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., April 23, in the township meeting room, 12970 Rustic Drive in Pickerington, to debate the advantages and disadvantages of a move.
''This would be a totally new government entity, they will run their own things,'' said Township Board of Trustees Chairman Terry Dunlap.
''That could be a good thing or a bad thing. That's why we want a committee to research it.''
According to Pickerington's Interim City Manager Tim Hansley, the district has been mulled over for the past 3 to 5 years.
The need stems from the fact that the number of users of parks and recreation property is much higher than the actual number of taxpaying citizens in Pickerington.
Hansley estimates 35,000 users of parks and recreation property while the city has only about 16,000 residents.
''For too long the funding has been riding on the backs of the citizens and we can't continue to do this much longer,'' Hansley said.
''If the residents want more outdoor parks and bike paths, we probably should develop this district.''
Hansley said that the city has debated putting a levy on the ballot before, but there has always been a fire levy or a school levy.
The survey from Violet Township indicating the residents' desire for parkland showed that there will be no time greater than now.
''It takes both parties to agree before action is taken,'' Hansley said.
''This is basically a way to manage and raise funding for parkland.''
People are moving from Hilliard and Dublin where they are used to more places with indoor facilities and asking ''why are we different?'' Hansley said.
''It would be a recreational master plan. A way to match the needs for land and the funding,'' Hansley said.
Even if the district fails on a ballot, at least people have started talking about it, Hansley said.
The Joint Park District will be discussed by the Pickerington Parks and Recreation Board during its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., March 24 in council chambers.
The trustees are asking residents and community members to become involved in the discussions and planning.
For questions, contact the Township Administrative Offices at 614-575-5556.
By Oldtimer
