Monday, December 13, 1999
1st draft of Boone parks study done
Officials trying to achieve balance
BY KRISTINA GOETZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BURLINGTON — The first draft of a study on Boone County's parks and recreation needs is in, and the public workshops are over. Now the question is: When and how might the study be implemented?
With Boone County's booming growth, officials will soon have to decide how to balance the county's infrastructure and parks needs.
“The families in the new developments, they have water and sewer and good roads already,” said Boone County Judge-executive Gary Moore. “Many times they're moving into these places and they ask, "Where's the public swimming pool, where's the skating rink?'
“We have to weigh that with the person who lives three miles from the courthouse who's still waiting for public water.”
Using taxpayer money to implement all of a consulting firm's study suggestions would take many years, if it could happen at all.
“Commissioners and I get calls from both sides,” Mr. Moore said. “It's something we have to weigh carefully to do both at the same time.
“The problem with that is the lack of money.”
The first step may be to buy land in critical areas of the county but not add amenities until later. Buying land was a recommendation made in the 1989 parks study done by the planning commission.
“If we don't (buy it), where is it going to be 10 years from now?” he said.
Mr. Moore said he hopes a new, nonprofit conservation foundation in Boone County will help in acquiring land for greenspace and parks and that public/private partnerships can help in building the larger facilities such as recreation or aquatic centers.
Commissioner Robert Hay said his priorities are with infrastructure.
“We need to take care of first things first,” he said, but added that having a blueprint in place would help if the county comes up with additional dollars or if a private corporation chooses to donate.
Fiscal court members may get a chance as early as February to look at the final draft of the parks report.
A 19-member citizens advisory committee will meet after the holidays.
“When we meet after the first of the year we'll see the final compilation of the survey data and additional information from the consultant,” said Bill Scheyer, a member of the advisory committee. “We'll be involved in helping set the priorities.”
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