Rancamp residents get new city park
6/26/2003The homeowners of Rancamp Meadows, a neighborhood west of Reynolds Road, now have a city park in their area.
The land has been undeveloped for years, and homeowners had staved off attempts to have housing built on it, said Janet Veith of the neighborhood association.
“It was supposed to be a buffer and left undeveloped,'' she said, adding that she's glad it will finally be open for people to use.
Toledo City Council member Rob Ludeman said the property was originally meant for neighborhood use, but over the years, maintenance stopped, taxes weren't paid, and it eventually was forfeited and sold at a sheriff's auction.
The property remained unused, until he learned that the neighbors would like to have the city buy it and dedicate it as a park, Mr. Ludeman said. The dedication was Saturday.
“I remember that the late Gene Cook, city council president, would often tell me that there is very little parkland west of Reynolds Road.
``He told me that if chances ever came up where I could help save some land for park use, I should.
“This situation fit,'' he said.
After a real estate appraisal, the city purchased the 2.25 acres last year for $45,000.
Funds came from the city's Parkland Replacement Fund.
The park is at the end of Sanders Drive and Kinder Road, north of Airport Highway.
Mr. Ludeman noted that the neighborhood association has agreed to help maintain the area.
He was one of those who dedicated the park Saturday.
Mrs. Veith said that the specifics of maintenance and what equipment might eventually be added to the park is still undecided.
The park is now used by youngsters flying kites, and in one corner, there is a makeshift site for playing ball.