It’s no understatement that local tax levies reflect the health and vitality of our communities. All are important.
As longtime volunteers and financial supporters of the Simpson Garden Park, we hold a special concern for the favorable adoption of the 2.95 mill, five-year levy for the programs and services of the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department.
Following a five-year, highly successful planning and fundraising campaign, the vision for the 11-acre Simpson Garden Park was realized on June 1, 2008 with the grand opening of the first element – the Children’s Discovery Garden Park. Today, the Simpson Garden Park is one of the most used and visited parks in the city. In many respects, the Simpson Garden Park has become the invitational “postcard” for city residents and its visitors. Its many distinctive features have become known far and wide, especially the Hosta Glen, the second largest Hosta garden in the U.S., managed by longtime volunteer Phil Hollenbaugh.
While many citizens, like Phil, have been generous with volunteer time and dollars in support of Simpson, the park is showing signs and needs for improved continuing care. One full-time staff person backed by several part-time employees cannot meet the demands for seasonal and daily upkeep.
It’s been 10 years since there has been any increase in tax dollar support for the BG Parks and Recreation and we sincerely hope that voters will re-affirm the importance of all the city’s parks and programs, including the Simpson Garden Park, by the adoption of the BG parks levy on Nov. 3.
Let’s keep the “green” in Bowling Green. A “yes” vote is an investment in the city’s future.
Dick and Nadine Edwards
Bowling Green
