This is a topic to look into why people are so negative about public park systems and several various issues. As a disclaimer, my thoughts and opinions are just those: thoughts and opinions of me. They may not reflect or be the opinions of the Geauga Park District, for which I am affiliated.
In my home county, people seem to have a problem with a well efficient park system. My hometown also seems to have that issue as well. The residents just don’t respond to parks but I have a feeling that’s because they don’t understand the reason behind the Geauga Park District.
I have a fair amount of knowledge about the park system internals and from what I can disclose, most people are missing the point. First off, the park system was created to preserve and protect natural resources within Geauga County – some resources which may not be here today. They have saved precious resources from becoming developer projects and from becoming ugly sites around the county.
But … they own so much land and don’t pay taxes!! I don’t see why this is an issue… they’re a government organization, why would they pay taxes to themselves? That’s like if you own your own lemonade stand and charge yourself full price to take a cup of lemonade. Your taking your own money and putting it right back into your pocket – it’s a paradox and therefore I don’t see the argument. What government pays themselves their own taxes?
Where do they keep getting all this funding?! Why can’t the schools get this kind of funding? Because voters like YOU keep voting “NO” on school levy denying your school district funding it wants/needs! Second, the state and federal governments offer grants specifically for parks and recreation. Some taxpayers are misrepresented by this. This money is set aside for park & recreation departments to apply and receive funding. Schools, police departments, fire departments, businesses, etc. DO NOT QUALIFY TO APPLY FOR THIS MONEY!
I’m going to vote “NO” on the next levy! That’ll get ‘em! No, it won’t. It’s going to come back to get you when you least expect it and then you’ll be wishing you voted “yes”.
Their employees don’t pay into social security! Guess what? No government employee does! I hate to inform you, but the fire fighters that save you, the police that protect you, the teachers that educate your kids, DO NOT PAY INTO SOCIAL SECURITY EITHER. I guess you could say it’s a “perk” of being a government employee. But however, they do pay into their retirement fund just like, you guessed it, EVERY government employee. This is why government employees laugh at “401(k)” plans.
They only have 7 Rangers and they own all that land! How do they police it? Rather well, I must say. The Geauga Park District Rangers don’t need to rule with an iron fist. The people who visit the parks are pretty well behaved. Vandalism is also minimal. Also, the park district works closely with the Geauga County Sheriff’s Department so occasionally you might see a Deputy Sheriff take a look around. After all, the Geauga County Sheriff dispatches for the Ranger Department as well. So basically it’s 7+100+ Deputy Sheriffs. Also, fun fact, most serious violations (mostly those breaking county, state, or federal laws) are handed off to the Sheriff’s Office anyways. However, I do agree they could step it up because I’m sure some people would just like to see a Ranger at a park just so they have that reassurance of being safe – understandable. But seriously, no reason to call them out. The parks are rather secure. If you go into a park after-hours, the chances are high that you’ll be chased out by a Ranger.
The city-folk come and use our parks without paying for them!! That’s not fair! Guess what? Life isn’t fair! Also, I hate to inform you, but have you ever visited a park outside your hometown? Yes? Then you’re a hypocrite; you’re doing exactly what you are complaining about. These are public parks, not National Parks. Because I’m sure if you had to pay a fee to get into your local park, you’d complain about that too, wouldn’t you?
They have this bloated budget but they don’t do anything with it!! Congratulations! You’ve discovered that they know how to do this thing called BUDGETING! Maybe if everyone tried it, they’d eliminate their huge debt problems. Don’t be a Negative Nancy because they can spend their money wisely and you can’t.
These just seem to be a FEW gripes people have (yes, it’s hard to believe there are MORE).
