ohio state parks in need of repairs and upgrades

[iam20fan]

http://www.daytondailynews.com/search/content/gen/ap/OH_Economy_Park_Maintenance.html

some good reading. if you get the dayton daily news its the front page story

[Fish G3]

It's definitely a shame the way the parks are going. I dont think enough people really know about the situation the parks are in. If no decent funding gets established then our parks will be gone shortly.

[I Fish]

Boy, I guess they are in trouble. Unless I mis-counted, there are 73 state parks in Ohio, with an annual operating budget of $63million. That's $863,013 per park! I know it's government, but man, that seems like a lot of money. I'm sure some of the bigger parks cost more to operate, but wouldn't the small ones offset them?

[Wannabitawerm]

If we only knew how much money the state has wasted over the years. I can tell you firsthand, if we took the funds each park made and left in the hands of that particular park, you would see an improvement. Case in point, Findley S.P. in Wellington. They have operated since the 1950's with no significant upgrades until the last 2 or 3 years. They filled the park to capacity for 50 plus years. Now they've ran out of money in a few short years? I don't think so. They also have volunteers in each park. The resources are there and you'll even see an improvement in park attendance as the economy will cause more people to take less expensive vacations.

I ain't buyin' it.

[Troy Dave]

The problem is the parks don't have any dedicated funding other than camping fees. And there are about as many or more parks without camping than with. Also the state keeps trying to steal part of that for the general fund. We need to institute an entry fee so everyone who uses the parks help, not just the campers. I would be more than willing to buy a $30 or $40 annual permit so long as the state keeps its mits off. I understand a lot of people think the parks should remain free but what good does it do if the parks become unusable.

[I Fish]

I could not support any kind of fee to use the parks. IMO, outside of mowing the grass, emptying the trash cans, and pumping out the latrines, there really is nothing else necessary, except for the occasional ramp, dam, or trail repair. Do we really need docks and shelters, if it is costing so much to keep them up? Yea, they are nice, but do we really need them? Besides the fact that they seem to be built to require maintenance. I especially like the wood shingles. I mean really, wood? I think all of the lodges and a lot of the marinas are already being operated by an outside contractor, leased to them by the state. If the leases don't produce enough income to upkeep the buildings, raise the rate or close them. Don't think they are profitable? One company, Xanterra Parks and Resorts is based in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Do you think they would be all the way out here in Ohio, managing the lodges, if they weren't making any money? Here's a link to their website. Put your mouse over Ohio on the map on the right, and it lists all of their properties here. http://www.xanterra.com/
If they start charging a fee, how will that help anybody, especially those with kids? Even if it's just a $10 fee, for a man, woman and 3 kids, that's another $50. Then still pay more to camp? Besides the point that the state will just cut the budget by however much the fee produces, just like they do the schools with the lottery funds. The lottery is really just a shell game.

[Wannabitawerm]

The problem is the parks don't have any dedicated funding other than camping fees. And there are about as many or more parks without camping than with. Also the state keeps trying to steal part of that for the general fund. We need to institute an entry fee so everyone who uses the parks help, not just the campers. I would be more than willing to buy a $30 or $40 annual permit so long as the state keeps its mits off. I understand a lot of people think the parks should remain free but what good does it do if the parks become unusable.

I pay for the right to use them already. I pay licensing fees and sportsman fees. I pay taxes on tackle which a portion is supposed go toward parks and recreation. I was a volunteer in Findley State Park for 5 years. The states create them from our tax dollars, then steal the revenue for the general fund. If I have to pay a right to use fee, I will not use them and expect a reduction in my taxes.

[Fish G3]

Our state parks dont cost a thing to get into...think about it bike trails, fishing, hunting land, bird watching, everything dealing with the outdoors. Yet we havent had any bill or anything pass since the early 1990's to help improve funding for our parks, yet we are only one of a few that doesnt charge for people to use these precious resources. We could be like other state parks and charge just to park in a state park but we dont. We have one of the most visited state park system in the country!!! We have a lot of issues wether its buidllings or maintance that needs upkeeps let alone a big issue we are having now is the loss of staff.

Our Parks are losing staff at a tremendous rate we wont be able to up keep these parks anymore. The staff cuts are ridiculous there arent enough rangers to cover all the parks. It burns me when nobody realizes how much work goes into a state park for it to function. Come on there are so many things that go into a state park. Times are low right now and the econonmy is horrible but still these dont cost us anything and they are what keep us sane. I dont see how you guys dont think theirs a problem with the park system. Go out and talk to a state ranger or wildlife or someone and just ask them. You will get a rude awakening.

[Metzie]

Great post FishG3. You hit the topic just right!!! I have to agree!!

[iam20fan]

i remember a couple years ago i was asked to pay 5 bucks by a worker at the campground check in at ceaser's creek to fish at my favorite spot by the campground boat dock because i wasn't camping. i paid cause i wanted to fish there.

[I Fish]

This argument could go on and on. I'm no genius, but I've been around a lot of farms. I know, that after the payment, upkeep, and various other expenses that go into a farm VS. what the state does at the parks, well, the state is doing something very wrong. I just cannot see the money they spend being even close to "thrifty". I compare the parks to a farm because they both involve large tracts of ground. I mean, outside of the what, every 50 years or so overhaul of a dam, how does it cost anything to keep water? The trees don't require fertilizer. Their is no potential crop failure, impact from drought, or vet bills. And on top of that, the state doesn't pay taxes on it's own property. We paid to build the parks in the first place, but the state just can't keep them up? I've talked to current and former park rangers, and I know first hand the waste that has occured. Yes, I know there are park rangers patrolling several lakes that are miles apart. But, with that being said, is there any evidence that crime or wanton wildlife violations has increased, due to the lack of park rangers? IMO, they made their bed, they can sleep in it, just don't ask the citizens of Ohio to lay down with them. I think it's high time for a complete overhaul of our parks division, as well as wildlife division, for that matter. My biggest complaint is we elect the sheriff and police chief, but not the game wardens or park officials? If they had to earn a re-election, maybe they would have a little bit of motivation. They all seem more content scratching each others backs, instead of really doing anything to make a positive difference for the future. They are more concerned with inter-office politics than the approval of the public because they know they don't need our approval, and now they are trying to convince us we should buy them new beds and blankets?

[Wannabitawerm]

I dont see how you guys dont think theirs a problem with the park system. Go out and talk to a state ranger or wildlife or someone and just ask them. You will get a rude awakening.

I don't have to ask, I know there is a problem. I've experienced it firsthand. It's been going on long before this recession. The park money is taken for the general fund by the state. If that was to cease and the money they had was better managed, we would not have these problems. Argue the point all you want, but that is the meat and potatoes of the issue.

[Troy Dave]

I don't believe there is any designated park money being taken for the general fund. Most money for the parks has always come from the general fund. Over the past 30 years Ohio has lost the majority of its manufacturing base. That is a whole lot of tax revenue gone from the general fund. And for any number of reasons, the park system does not seem to be too high on the State legislatures list of priorities. So how do you replace this lost funding without some sort of use tax? Boat license fees go to Division of watercraft. They helped pay for the new docks at C.J. Brown. Fishing and hunting license fees go to Division of wildlife. They pay for stocking programs, land purchases, etc. I will agree there has probably been some mismanagement but there is always going to be that and disagreement on how to manage whenever any form of government is involved. As long as the parks are at the mercy of the general fund, things are only gong to get worse.

[ohiojmj]

Speaking of stinking filthy outdated latrines, I wish the ones at Mosquito Lake State Park boat launch could be upgraded. While I do not suggest a multi-million dollar commode palace, the perennial stench can gag a maggot.