Grants, Stewardship and Citizens Lodge

Our community is very blessed with natural resources and public green spaces, parks, trails, and waterways for us to enjoy. “Public green space” development and use is a major component in existing communities and new evolving communities and is in high demand from its citizens and families. These spaces often provide physical benefits, mental benefits, and social interaction and connection within a community. Many of these areas or projects often receive funding from government entities through grant programs that provide funding for the development, enhancement, and improving the areas. You might ask where grant funding stems from? Government grant funding generally is allocated from tax collections and budget allocations. Tax collections consist of all types of taxes we the taxpayers pay on the federal, state, and local levels.

The government collects the taxes of hard-working citizens and redistributes these funds in the form of a grant to entities or government organizations. Since the funding is essentially provided by the taxpaying citizens the entity or government receiving the funds should be bound by a lifetime commitment of stewardship of the project results. Stewardship is defined by Merriam-Webster as “the activity or job of protecting and being responsible for something or the careful responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” That stewardship commitment should be a lifetime commitment to maintain and keep the project results in good working order and condition. The maintenance and the use of the resource is the only return of the citizens’ hard-earned taxed money which funded the grant.

You might ask why I am making this point. I have had several calls and conversations with citizens concerning the condition of Citizens Lodge. Let’s start with a little history of the Citizens Lodge Park’s transformation. I quote former Director of Parks and Recycling for Jackson County Board of County Commissioners, Chuck Hatcher in an article written by the Jackson County Times on December 18, 2014. Chuck stated, “Starting at Citizens Lodge and a $400,000 grant, we transformed a former horse stable and racetrack into one of the premier parks in Northwest Florida. We paved the multi-use trails so that everyone could enjoy them. Continuing, we built the gazebo, pavilions, picnic areas, and fitness stations and, with the financial help of the TDC, we built the restrooms and the performing arts stage. More parking and security lights were added.” So the funding transformation of Citizens Lodge was funded with grants and other funds which were a result of your taxpayer money and should be exceptionally maintained as it has been in the past for your use and enjoyment.

I took a walk last Friday afternoon around the park and took some photos I’m sharing with you. I was really surprised to see overgrown dead grass and broom sedge as tall as I am. The pond water edges are very overgrown with vegetation. The walking trail has grass growing on the edges of the trail and in the trail areas. The small picnic area has roof damage and seating damage which needs to be repaired. The bathrooms, both women’s and men’s, need to be thoroughly cleaned and continuously maintained as the odor of urine is very present upon entry. The sinks in both restroom facilities were covered in dirt and grime. A missing toilet tank cover in the women’s restroom a missing scuttle hole cover and a broken window in the men’s restroom. Both restroom facility doors desperately need painting, the stage area needs painting, and the gazebo area needs painting. There was a very high debris pile located on the north border. The vacant home located on the site has graffiti and is very overgrown and not maintained. Weeds and vines are growing in the shrubs. Found a couple of holes that were not barricaded which could provide a safety issue for citizens and the white fence is broken. Several residents have expressed their concerns about the number of turtles, the lack of fish, and the overgrown pond edges that affect family fishing outings.

This was once an area that was exceptionally maintained and mowed in its entirety and maintained on a regular basis. It was an area that hosted youth fishing opportunities, Bar-B-Q competitions, and other notable events. It is unbelievable that his area needs so much attention to bring it to its prior exceptionally maintained state. It is unbelievable because our hard-earned taxpayer money was spent to transform the area for the community’s enjoyment and pleasure. It is unbelievable because this provides an image to our citizens and visitors that we are unable to maintain or choose not to maintain the area which was once used as a showcase gateway into our community.

Community unity is achieved when we all take pride in our community and work together to achieve success for all Citizens. Unity and achievement of goals begin at the top leadership level. I hope you will vote in August and November in 2024 for leaders who will strive for unity and ensure your taxpayer investments are properly maintained and optimally utilized for all citizens. I will leave you with those thoughts and that concludes this week’s The Straight Truth With Mary Ann Hutton.