May message to E-mail list

Richfield Township and Richfield Village are in series of discussions about formation of a joint park district.   IF they can agree, THEN the issue would be placed before the people of Richfield in November.  The citizens of Richfield ( both Township and Village ) would decide if they want Crowell Hilaka enough to pay for it.   One of the main areas of concern: The township’s only revenue comes from property taxes.  More houses = more income.  There is room for lots of houses in the 300 acres of Crowell Hilaka.  On the other hand, there are many people in Richfield who moved there because it is rural & too many housing developments would destroy that.  This is something that only Richfield residents can decide for themselves.  
 
What we can do to help:
 
- Lower the cost to Richfield by making a pledge to Friends of Crowell Hilaka.   Support matters!   The  $33,000.00 pledge from the Buckeye Trail Association has come up many times in the discussions – as much for the commitment it represents as the actual dollar amount.  The beauty of a pledge is that you can help save this land AND help preserve the historic structures ( which might not be included in the Joint Park District Plan).  If the deal falls through or the park district doesn’t need our help, then you pay nothing.  
 
- Donations help spread the word.   Promotion costs money:  brochures, fliers, signs etc.  Donations are tax-deductable.  http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/pledgedonate.html
 
- Hands on help.  Our meeting on May 13 ( 7pm at Richfield Historical Society Museum) will include a training session on How to Present the Best of Crowell Hilaka.  Useful talking points for casual conversations, booth staffing, and school presentations with FAQs and fun facts.   
 
also -We are accepting items for our rummage sale and plants for our plant sale.  We need helpers for the June 22 Sunday Funday. We are forming committees for the second “S’more Enchanted Evening” Fundraiser, bylaws revision, and Camp Clean Up Day 
 
AND if you live in Richfield...........contact your government officials.   Formation of the Joint Park District costs nothing,  but provides a way for the communities to create a plan to be placed on the ballot in November.  
 
Lynn Richardson