As spring quarter begins, many students are looking forward to lazy days of barbeques, Frisbee and lying out in the sun in their off-hours. Athenians and students alike often take the 10-minute drive to Strouds Run State Park to enjoy swimming, boating, volleyball or just enjoying the outdoors. However the future of Strouds and all of the recreation that comes with it are on the table.
The City of Athens is looking into taking over the ownership and operation of the park ' an amenity that would certainly be a very attractive addition. If in the city's hands, the park could have a more ensured preservation for the use of Athens residents. The park would no longer be susceptible to the ruin of development, oil drilling or logging because of the loss of state funds for its upkeep.
It could actually cost less for the park to be in city hands ' partially because existing employees already living in Athens would be put to work. The city seems to be betting that it can cobble enough money together through donations from the university or others. Whether or not it can is an open question ' and, perhaps, the wrong question.
In a perfect world, Athens would take over Strouds. But, as we all know, the world is imperfect, and Athens, despite the hopes of some city leaders, is in no way, shape or form an exception. This city does not have enough police officers or fire fighters. Whole stretches of Athens are poorly lit. Roads and sidewalks are in a permanent state of decay, and even hundreds of thousands of dollars in street repairs every year do little to change this fact.
Even if the city does end up taking over Strouds, there is no guarantee the city will be able to support it. The park could feasibly charge an admission to help cover costs ' which ultimately defeats the purpose of the park. Athens city officials should recognize that if the money is not there, you can't spend it.
But, more importantly, even if it is, the city has to consider its priorities. Too often, that means art centers, fountains and well-intentioned but overextended projects like this Strouds Run plan. What it should mean is taking care of Athens' infrastructure and its vital services ' namely, police and fire. Until those things are taken care of, Athens really shouldn't consider Strouds Run, no matter how nice it might be to do so.
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Funds too low for Strouds takeover
