AJ Extra (Page 2)

June 24, 2009

Mailbag

Dear Editor,

As a concerned member of the Friends of Salt Springs Park, I would like to comment on a published statement made recently relative to the proposed closing of state parks throughout the Commonwealth.

The article stated that the closing of Salt Springs Park, Susquehanna County, would save $45,000. In fact, Salt Springs Park receives approximately $ 3,500 in goods and services from the state park system.

Salt Springs Park is the only park in the state system that is managed by a nonprofit organization, the Friends of Salt Springs Park. The Friends have raised their own funds for day-to-day operations and maintenance. Many of the improvements to the grounds and facility have resulted from the great effort of a group of dedicated volunteers, funded by membership and community support.

Asked how the closings would affect Salt Springs Park and its guests, a high level parks administrator responded as follows: “I am confident that we will continue to serve our guests in the utmost professional manner throughout this situation. If folks ask what they can do to influence the budget process, the answer is rather simple. They need to contact their state elected officials and let them know of their concerns.” http://www.legis.state.pa.us/

In short, the statewide closings will not affect visitors of Salt Springs Park in any substantial manner. Salt Springs Park will remain open to the public. The Friends have aschedule available on their web site, http://www.friendsofsaltspringspark.org

It would be a shame to give the public the impression that the park is closed when it is actually gearing up for one of its best seasons. The Friends are not closing the park.

Lillian Theophanis

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