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
Opinion
Public forum
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
- Opinion
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Putting our best foot forward
Projects to enhance Logansport’s curb appeal for visitors are coming together. The community owes a debt of gratitude to the hard-working volunteers who made these projects happen.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.
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Taking the cow to school
Managing editor Kelly Hawes says a recent highly publicized prank shows the quality of kids in Logansport.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.
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More than just an extra day off
Monday is Memorial Day, a time when the nation pauses to remember those who have given their lives in defense of the freedoms we all enjoy. It’s great to have a long weekend, but let’s not forget the holiday’s original meaning.
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Have fun, safe start to summer
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season. Have fun this weekend, but be sure to keep it safe.
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Thorns & Roses
Thorns & Roses is our staff’s compilation of the best and worst of the week, but if you have your own nominations, feel free to send them along for publication in our Public Forum. Submissions of up to 400 words may be addressed to Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The fax number is 574-732-5070, and the email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com. Don’t forget to include your name, address and daytime telephone number.
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Meeting students where they are
A mall-based alternative school in Indianapolis is working to reach students who weren’t able to succeed in a traditional classroom. The approach is similar to the one now being taken by Logansport schools.
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A woman on both state tickets
Columnist Dave Kitchell writes about the running mates for gubernatorial hopefuls John Gregg and Mike Pence.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is (574) 732-5070.
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