Citizens for Portage Park District (CPPD) unanimously voted Wednesday July 16, 2008, to recommend the park district request a mill tax levy. This group of concerned citizens cited a number of specific reasons for the recommendation.

The group's chairman, Dick Abbott of Franklin Township noted that this levy would be the one and only source of local tax funding for the Portage Park District. He indicated that "there is a great need for this small levy, which would cost the owner of a $100,000 house less than $1.50 per month"less than a half gallon of gas. The Portage Park District has opportunities to accept donation of suitable park land across the county, but without this levy, they do not have the resources to manage those properties."

"With gasoline prices over $4.00 per gallon, many Portage County residents need closer access to public parks for nearby open space, recreational and educational opportunities," noted Steve Zabor, a Hiram resident and frequent park user.

Passing a park levy would also allow the Portage Park District to apply for matching grants that could bring millions of dollars of state and federal grant money back to Portage County. It is currently difficult to apply for these grants because they require local funds to match the state and federal funding. The levy would provide that local share to apply for grants from sources like the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, according to Walt Adams, a long-time supporter of parks and conservation from Kent.

The citizens group is organizing volunteers to help build awareness about the Portage Park District and the proposed levy. They will hold a potluck volunteer orientation at 6:30 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2008 at Camp Spelman in Franklin Township.

For more information about Citizens for Portage Park District, or to sign up for the orientation, visit http://www.citizensf...ks.org, or email them at info@citizensforportageparks.org.