E. PALESTINE PARKS Officials urge levy renewals

Park activities range from family reunions to yoga.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
EAST PALESTINE -- City parks and recreation director Grant Springer never misses a chance to promote the city park.
Even his phone message at the park office touts: "Remember, the benefits of parks and recreation are endless."
These days, Springer and other park officials and volunteers are spreading the word about two park levies up for renewal in November.
The city is seeking renewal of two five-year levies: a 1-mill levy first passed in 1992 and a 2-mill levy in place since 1988, said Connie Robinson, city finance director.
She said the 1-mill levy generates $44,745 each year; the 2-mill, $89,490 annually.
Emphasis on renewal
Springer emphasized that park officials are not asking for any additional money.
"We're doing a lot, but I don't think we could have a park without the levies," he said.
Sandy Wales, park board chairwoman, said Springer tops the list of the city park's assets that are funded by the park levies. Wales said levy revenue enabled the city to hire Springer in 1998. She said he is a tireless and enthusiastic worker and he has secured numerous state and federal grants for the park in that time.
"It's amazing to see the progress we've made in the past few years," Wales said. "I don't know what we'd do without him."
Springer was quick to pass the praise around: back to Wales, to city manager Gary Clark, city council and many park volunteers.
Construction of a community center and the city's purchase of the former Captain Taggart Elementary building keep the park workers busy all year rather than just during the summer months, Springer said.
Youth basketball teams play in the Captain Taggart gym and groups or individuals can rent space at the former school or the community center for meetings, birthday parties or receptions. The community center is the site of activities ranging from family reunions to country line dancing and yoga classes, he added.
Team effort
Springer said the improvements have been a team effort among city officials and volunteers. New softball, baseball and soccer fields will be ready for play in the spring, as will renovated tennis courts. The community cares about the park, and city officials and volunteers work together to make the park a city showplace, he continued.
Springer said, for example, that changes in management of the swimming pool concession stand increased profits that funded the stand's renovation, including the addition of equipment to cook hot foods.
Concession stand proceeds also were used to build a poolside patio, and patio furniture was purchased with grant funds, he said.