DEAR EDITOR:

Trumbull County Metroparks is appealing to the community to which it supplies resources.

Trumbull County MetroParks system comprises six open parks, Western Reserve Greenway, Mahoning River Water Trail, Cooperation Station Off-Leash Dog Park and 12 properties in various stages of development. Activities range from fishing, biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, sledding, hunting, nature observation, cross country skiing, disc golf and picnicking.

What presents as having more coverage than our array of green spaces is that of the Leavittsburg dam removal. All constituents have had the opportunity to meet, communicate and identify concerns over four years. Many of these concerns have been effectively addressed with the impending implementation of the Meadowbrook sanitary sewer project and a study identifying dam removal effects on water levels. There is no supportive documentation stating removal of the Leavittsburg dam will relate to any rise in health concerns.

Currently, project partners are Eastgate, municipalities along the Mahoning River (Lowellville, Struthers, Youngstown, Warren), Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program and Friends of the Mahoning River. All entities focus on improving water quality, community health and supporting recreational activities along the river.

While many have identified a connection between the Leavittsburg Dam removal and the upcoming levy, the two are not interconnected. Levy funds will be utilized for maintenance, growth and increased access of educational opportunities through Trumbull County MetroParks. MetroParks has operated on nominal $95,000 a year since 2014. This includes maintenance of all parks, bike trails, water access and the only paid staff, the director. Much park success, thus far, has been on the dedication of volunteers. Identification of properties to receive support can be noted on Friends of Trumbull MetroParks Facebook page or through Trumbull County MetroParks.

The primary goal of the Trumbull MetroParks levy is to maintain current assets, build resources in capital, and wrap supportive staff around those needs. Park growth is an economic plus for Trumbull County.

We must be competitive with neighboring communities. Approximately 60 percent of the neighboring communities with active park districts in Ohio have park levy funding, including Ashtabula and Portage counties, both of which operate on a 0.5-mill levy.

We cannot underestimate the value of Trumbull County MetroParks. We need green space to support business development shown to grow in areas with thriving parks. We need our parks to support safe places for families to ride bikes, hike, fish and sled. We need outdoor recreation opportunities to support physical and mental wellness. We need Trumbull MetroParks to grow to support educational and conservation of nature throughout the community. We need to vote yes for our parks.

NICOLETTE DARKANGELO

Liberty