Public forum

July 01, 2008 10:44 am

— Park's plight strikes chord

As president of the Cass County Parks and Recreation Board and also having the privilege of growing up in a town of less than 500, the June 20 “Saving the Deer Creek Park” article struck a cord in me. I had driven by the park several times, and had appreciated that such a small “burg” could not only have a community center, but also a county-sponsored recreation area.
Because of your article, I decided to drop in on their Saturday work day at the park, and volunteer to get in their way, as they efficiently went about giving the park “curb appeal.” Its eight serene campsites with water and electricity, and a fishing pond all within hearing distance of Deer Creek (the stream) were beyond my expectations. As Dan McCain says — it is one of Carroll County’s best-kept secrets.
What often goes unmentioned is that it is hard-working, concerned folks like those I met on Saturday who serve as the bedrock of this country. I honestly don’t know what we’d do if it weren’t for the blood, sweat and tears of those who step up to maintain without asking much in return. They reach into their own pockets; strain their own equipment, risk injury to themselves — because they want their kids (and their kids’ kids) to be able to experience what they have enjoyed in their youth.
Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there will be an equal, but opposite, reaction. While Newton didn’t have the Indiana taxpayer in mind, economics work in much the same way. Before you demand that taxes be lowered, you might want to consider the unintended consequences that will adversely affect the quality of all of our lives.
As a plug for Cass County’s gem — France Park (check us out at www.francepark.com) — a consulting company over 10 years ago noted that the revenue stream (money spent in the county because of visitors to France Park) totaled well over $1 million. Local businesses and elected officials, please take note before considering denigrating this revenue stream. Even if the parks don’t “break even,” the benefits: tangible and intangible, speak to communities and environmental values that will attract people.
Taxpayers, as the price of gasoline rises, you might want to consider that while you might be paying a bit more to keep your parks open, it sure as heck is a bargain compared to what you’ll pay for a round trip to Indy.

Gary W. Smith
Logansport