“What really hurt us was trying to battle taxes,” said Chris Combs, lead investor. “Six months after we purchased, the county reassessed the land and quadrupled the property tax.”
The park located at 3024 Hamilton Richmond Road would have reopened in April for a third season under the new ownership.
“We had people whose grandparents used to come so they came as kids,” Combs said. “People would fish, camp or just walk with dogs.”
The owners were most proud of being able to provide a place for young boys and girls to play baseball and softball.
“It crushed me because we had a bunch of girls that wanted to play ball,” Combs said. “Even with all the new schools in the city there are no more ball fields.”
Steve Monnin, a park investor, agreed, saying the city is in need of more baseball diamonds.
“The city’s running out of places for them to play ball and practice,” Monnin said. “It was fun while it lasted.”
Combs said it was his idea to form the investor’s group and purchase the park.
“I’m involved in youth sports and the whole goal was we thought the community needed it,” Combs said. “It was growing, especially the girl’s softball; this would have been our best year yet.”
Monnin said poor planning also led to the park’s closing.
“We went and jumped in too quick,” Monnin said. “We should have done it as a nonprofit and not a business.”
Combs said the park would need around $30,000 in donations each year just to stay open. He’s hopeful another investor will come around and revive the park again.
“I’m hoping someone else will try and have a better chance,” Combs said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.
About the Author