By Perry Schaible
Enquirer contributor

LIBERTY TWP. - A task force will be formed to help trustees in this suburban Butler County community decide whether residents can access The Wetlands park from the Woodmoor Terrace subdivision.

Trustee President Christine Matacic said it was apparent after a special meeting Monday night that township officials need more time and information before a decision is made to permanently open a maintenance gate at the end of Rock Springs Drive.

"We need to take a look at the concerns of residents and see if there's a way to solve these concerns," Matacic said Tuesday.

The task force will consist of five proponents and five opponents of opening the gate as well as a township representative.

The group will meet five times over the next month to discuss the issue.

A letter to trustees from the Woodmoor Terrace Home Owners Association listed their main concerns as parking, the safety of neighborhood children, the possibility of sexual predators, possible drug activity, and motorized vehicles on the trails.

Bob Irwin, vice president of the home owners association, said he was happy with the decision to form a task force.

"We wanted an opportunity to talk to everybody in our subdivision," he said.

Resident Vicki Halsted submitted 345 signatures to trustees in support of opening the gate.

She was disappointed that a decision was postponed.

"I just don't think that's a reasonable solution," Halsted said. "I don't think a decision will come of it."