Residents speak on parks proposal

A proposal to consider divesting a trio of county-owned parks appears to be at a standstill.

In response to the proposed plan – pitched last month by commissioner Christina Yunker – a standing-room-only crowd attended last week’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. By a wide margin, those present appeared to oppose Yunker’s pitch.

More than two dozen people over the course of about 75 minutes lined up to defend the county’s park system. Specifically, Cade Lake Campground & Park, Plumb Lake Park, and Covered Bridge Farm Park.

A common theme expressed by opponents of the plan centered on the loss of revenue the county might realize from no longer owning the parks. In addition, a number of speakers said the quality and strong reputation of the county’s parks, and the ample recreational opportunities they offer, draw thousands of people from outside the region annually.

Yunker first raised the issue during the county board’s April 15 meeting. According to a copy of her prepared statement, Yunker bemoaned the county’s financial state and questioned whether the county can afford the debt it will incur for the courts building renovation.

During last week’s meeting Yunker stood by her proposal, saying it is in the best interest of St. Joseph County’s financial state.