Investment: Belpre’s parks worthy of support
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Last weekend, visitors to Howes Grove and Civitan Parks in Belpre were treated to two excellent examples of what can happen when municipal government and community partners work together to invest in their parks and get creative in attracting and keeping events.
Among the results are visitors from beyond the Mid-Ohio Valley who get to experience not only a fun day in the park, but the rest of what our communities have to offer.
Both the Kids Fishing Derby and Long Doggy Fest were originally part of Belpre Homecoming festivities. But organizers found a way to better serve their audiences and spread their wings with events scheduled for a different day this year. At least in the case of the fishing derby, the idea was to make sure children did not have to choose between watching their bobbers and watching the Homecoming parade.
People from Tuppers Plains, Wileyville, Middlebourne, Athens -- even an organization from Florida -- showed up to celebrate their furry friends or see who would be leaving town with the biggest fish tale.
More than 100 kids participated in the fishing derby.
"We love these kids," said Jerry Burkhart, president of Frontier Bassmasters. "Wouldn't you (rather) have these kids out here instead of on a phone?"
Indeed, wouldn't Belpre residents rather be welcoming ALL those visitors to their parks than having them looking for something to do somewhere else?
In talking about the success of the day, Burkhart thanked Belpre Mayor Susan Abdella and other city officials for the investment in improving Civitan Park's pond, as well as other improvements throughout the park.
"If you build it, they will come," right? Well, in Belpre's case, if you take care of it, invest in it and welcome people to it, they will not only come, but enjoy themselves enough that they come back.