For our Families. For our Community. For Our Future
Keeping a Good Thing Growing!
Vote PARKS YES! Issue 31, November 7, 2023.
Get a yard sign to support PARKS YES! Complete this form.
The Park District is seeking voter support for a ½ mill replacement plus ½ mill additional property tax levy for 10-years on the November 7, 2023 ballot. The levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 property $35.00/year, less than $3/month. The new levy will generate ~$4.5 million/year; the current levy generates ~$1.8 million/year.
This levy will support continued land conservation, park improvements and the efficient operation of safe, clean parks and trails. Without the additional levy, the Park District will be severely limited in conserving land and water resources and creating new parks and trails.
YOUR Portage Parks are growing and thriving thanks to the support of Portage County and a commitment to conservation and recreation. Since the passage of the 2014 levy, much has been achieved to bring the citizens of Portage County the park system they deserve. Below are just a few of the accomplishments made possible by levy dollars in the last 10 years.
- Renovated an existing building into our Operations Center with offices, workshop and equipment storage for Maintenance, Natural Areas and Ranger staff
- Managed natural resources on over 2,700 acres including restoring areas through removing invasive species, planting trees and wildflowers and restoring wetlands.
- Maintained safe, clean facilities in 7 open parks and trails, 8 pending parks, and 17 miles of multipurpose trails across the county.
- Developed an excellent staff of 12 full-time and 3 part-time employees. Our dedicated Park Commissioners, who serve without pay, are the governing board appointed by the Portage County Probate Judge.
Learn about the Progress in YOUR Portage Parks here.
Visit our FAQ Page. Read our News & Newsletters
Advisory Committee
- Ann Womer Benjamin
- Bill Benoit
- Brad Cromes
- Brian Sessions
- Dan Cline
- David Dix
- Dick Rynearson
- Frank Hairston
- Janet Dix
- Jim Tomko
- Jud Smith
- Marilyn Sessions
- Mark Frisone
- Matt Kelly
- Mike Beder
- Sabrina Bennett
- Sandee Reid
- Tammy Rynearson
- Wayne Enders
- Vernon Sykes, State Senator
- Tony Badalamenti, County Commissioner
- Sabrina Christian Bennett, County Commissioner
- Matthew Kelly, County Auditor
- Lou Bertrand, Mayor of Hiram
- Frank Seman, Mayor of Ravenna
- Glenn Broska, Mayor of Streetsboro
- Linda Clark, Mayor of Mantua
- Jerry Fiala, Mayor of Kent
- Brad Cromes, County Treasurer
- Gwen Rosenberg, Kent City Council Member
- Todd & Jenny Adams
- Anne Andrews
- Al Barber
- Debbie Barber
- Edie Benner
- Sally Burnell
- Ed Butch
- Stevie Byrne
- Melissa Celko
- Brad Cromes
- David Dix
- Janet Dix
- Rick Feinberg
- Eileen Fitzsimmons
- Tom & Rosalie Franek
- Bill & Diane Graham
- Nancy Grim
- Frank & Barb Hairston
- David & Cynthia Hall
- Glenn & Barb Hanniford
- Thomas Hrdy
- Marc & Tiffany Jones
- Josh & Jolyn Kelling
- Michelle Kennedy
- Barbara Kubala
- Alex & Nicole Latina
- Nick Latina Latina
- Chas & Nancy Madonio
- Patrick Madonio
- Andrew Madonio
- Joe & Erin Madonio Latina
- William & Shirley Mars
- Carol Moraco
- Karen O’Sickey
- Allan Orashan & GayleBentley
- Todd Peetz
- George Rose & Jane Preston Rose
- Dan & Tanya Salopek
- Nancy Schiappa
- Don & Christy Schjeldahl
- Mark & Linda Seeman
- Heidi Shaffer & Randy Bish
- Virginia E. Shaw
- Betsy Siman
- Bob Springer
- Laura Swinsburg
- Becky Thomas
- JR & Cindy Thompson
- Swanny Voneida
- Ann Ward
- Carol Weigand
- Rock & Kate White
- Rick & Heather Wise
- Rita Young
Businesses/Organizations
- League of Women Voters – Kent
- League of Women Voters – Northern Portage County
- Portage County Democrats
- Young Democrats
- Portage County Township Trustees Association
- Portage Park District Foundation
- Hiram Township Trustees
- Portage County NAACP
- The Nature Conservancy, Ohio Chapter
- Western Reserve Land Conservancy
- Kent Environmental Council
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