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Leaders Needed for New Group to Help Carroll County Parks The Carroll County Board of Park Commissioners invites all residents interested in the parks to an organizational meeting Thursday, March 25 at 7 pm at the Bluebird Farm Park Restaurant, 190 Alamo Rd. in Carrollton to form a Friends of the Parks organization. The meeting will start the development of a citizen group to plan events at the two county parks, Carroll Community Park, 1061 Salineville Rd. and the Bluebird Farm Park on Alamo Rd. “The board would like a Friends of the Park group to help with planning and developing our two parks and to schedule events throughout the year that encourage residents to come out and enjoy their parks,” said board president Wayne Chunat. “The commissioners just can’t do it by themselves. And I know there are many people who would have great ideas for events at the parks.” Some of the programs that could take place at the parks include a Gardening group at the Bluebird Farm Park that helps maintains the gardens and chooses plants for new gardening areas. This group could also raise money by selling divided plants in the fall and spring. Other opportunities at Bluebird include hosting events at the Amphitheater, having an annual dinner and auction at the restaurant, and helping lead tours and hosting the Teddy Bear Picnic at the Toy Museum. At Carroll Community Park, the recently donated covered wagon needs a new paint job and decorating for use in the Fourth of July and Christmas parades. The Fall Family Festival, held the past three years, needs volunteers to plan and enlarge the event. Ball fields and playgrounds at this park also need planning and development. Both parks need volunteers to help with fundraising, public relations, and website and mailing list maintenance. Volunteers who would like to become a park naturalist can take a course with the OSU Extension office in Tuscarawas County beginning in June. This is a 40+-hour course with classroom and field based instruction that will allow the trained volunteer to continue their education and lead others in nature trail development, wildlife surveys, land restorations and educational presentations. The parks will assist with this program for qualified volunteers. A Friend of the Park organization was formed in the late 1990’s that succeeded in writing a LWCF grant for the purchase of the Peterson farm that has become Carroll Community Park. Now the need is for volunteers to develop the park and lead the programming and events. All residents of any age or ability are welcomed to come to the meeting. The group will need to elect a team of leaders and decide on the type of organizational structure such as bylaws, membership and future meeting dates. Refreshments will be served and park commissioners will be there to lead the first meeting and answer questions. For more information about the Friends of the Park meeting, contact 330-863-9244. |
