Upset by changes in Geauga Park District

I moved to Geauga County in 1973 with my late husband and infant son.

We discovered a wonderful small park — what is now Eldon Russell Park in Troy Township. It was quiet, had a few swings and picnic tables, and some walking trails.

The Cuyahoga River was a gentle place to take our canoe. We would sometimes see a turtle sunning on a log. Quiet electric motors were allowed, but we seldom saw any. There was a narrow path along the river, and as my son grew, we walked it often.

Some time ago, my grown son took his young daughter to see “his park.” I stood back and watched them walk along that same narrow path he had walked with his father. He told her that if she was very quiet, she might see a turtle on a log. It was like taking a trip back in time.

I remember years of stability and the obtaining of more land for parks. I gladly voted for the tax that would ensure all these places would be managed and protected.

The past few years in the Geauga Park District have troubled me: changes in park board commissioners many times, forbidding public speaking at the park board meetings, TV commercials urging people to come to the parks.

All the years I have lived here, no one ever needed urging to come.

I want stability in management back in our parks.

I want them to preserve, conserve and protect all our beautiful parks.

I have written this of my own accord because I care about our parks. Anne Burke Burton