Mayor Ric Abel spoke in favor of Athens accepting Strouds Run from the state at last night's Athens City Council meeting, despite some objection from council members.
He said the state would transfer Strouds Run, excluding its dam, to the city. The dam, nearly 50 years old, will continue to fall under the state's maintenance, and the Ohio Division of Wildlife still will advise the area on wildlife and hunting issues.
Under the proposed agreement, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Athens have one trial year to determine if both parties approve of the transfer. If either party is unhappy with the agreement during that period, the park will revert to state control.
Carol Patterson, D-at large, said the Ohio Department of Natural Resources would like to enter into the agreement with Athens no later than July 1.
Despite a five-year grant offer from Ohio University's Department of Health and Human Services has for $15,000 a year, several members of the council voiced concerns that Athens cannot afford to maintain Strouds Run.
A preliminary budget estimates upkeep of the park will cost the city an additional $174,000 each year.
Paul Wiehl, D-1st Ward, said he fears Strouds Run slowly will deteriorate.
Nancy Bain, D-3rd Ward, said council has not been presented with enough information about the actual costs of Strouds Run to make a decision yet.
It's a pig in the poke. It may be wonderful
but I'm very concerned about it Bain said.
She said if the Ohio Department of Natural Resources would be more aggressive with the management of Strouds Run, it would be beneficial for the state to maintain the area.
Doug Franklin, assistant dean of recreation and wellness at OU's Department of Health and Human Services, said there are many resources Athens can use to gain revenue from Strouds Run, such as increasing the cost of renting boats and campsites.
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Dianne Selden
