ASHLAND — Two nonprofit leaders raised concerns Thursday over the Ashland County commissioners’ newly adopted rules governing use of Corner Park.
Ashland County commissioners adopted new rules governing the use of the public park at the intersection of Main Street and Claremont Avenue on Jan. 16.
It was the second time commissioners have changed rules for the park in two years.
Commissioners have said complaints about political activity there led to the changes, which now include restrictions on signs and displays, the number of events groups and individuals can have in 30 days, the size of tents and the park’s opening hours, among other rules.
Corner Park Rules
- People or groups using the park for any purpose are now limited to one day “in any 30-day period.” Before the changes, people or groups were limited to three consecutive days and a total of three days in any calendar month, “whether consecutive or nonconsecutive.”
- Signs and other displays are no longer permitted. Before, groups were allowed to keep signs and displays on the park grounds “for as long as the park is reserved.”
- Violating park rules is now grounds for “suspension from further reservations for a period of six months.” This rule is new.
- Tents are now limited to two and they must not exceed 48 square-feet combined. Previous rules did not place a limit on the number of tents used.
- The park’s hours changed. It is now open from sunrise to 9:30 p.m. instead of 11 p.m.
Rebecca Garcia, director of Safe Haven, and Jerry Stausbaugh, executive director of Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, said Thursday the rules — though necessary for some — create a hindrance for events they host in the park.
“We believe that the new rules … will really hinder our mission for the community, for the county,” Strausbaugh said.
New rules eliminate Safe Haven’s usage of Corner Park
Safe Haven, a domestic violence shelter, is one of several programs offered by Appleseed.
Garcia said the new rules have eliminated Safe Haven’s ability to host awareness events surrounding teen dating violence, sexual assault and domestic violence. Three of the shelter’s events can no longer be held at Corner Park, she said.
“The blessing of the Corner Park, for us, has been huge,” Garcia said. “And I don’t know if you know how big it is for us.”
She said the non-profit organization relies on grants for funding. Some of the grants require them to report outreach data.
Because Safe Haven’s events happen at the centrally-located park, outreach numbers have been high, Garcia said.
But the new rules forced the organization to find another location for its Red Flag Project during Teen Dating Violence Awareness month in February.
The red flags represent warning signs (red flags) that present themselves in relationships.
“We’re no longer able to do that. We can’t put anything in the ground. We can’t put any signage up, so that eliminated our opportunity to do that this year at Corner Park,” Garcia said.
Another event affected by the new rules is Safe Haven’s Clothes Line Project, a week-long event typically conducted in April at Corner Park to raise awareness around sexual violence.
“You won’t allow us to put anything on the trees anymore,” Garcia said, addressing the commissioners.
In October, Safe Haven hosts a variety of awareness installments around domestic violence. One of the hallmark installments is a display of 10 silhouettes of Ashland County women who have died as victims of domestic violence.
“It’s our chance to honor them. And if we won’t do it, who will? Nobody else is doing that. And now we don’t have an opportunity to do that either,” she said.
Stausbaugh wondered if commissioners would be able to grant the organization an accommodation.
‘I feel bad’
Commissioners did not make any decisions on Thursday. But they offered their perspective.
Commissioner Jim Justice said he doesn’t know how to make the situation better.
“And I feel bad,” he said, adding he and his counterparts have “exhausted” their options.
In October 2023, commissioners changed a rule that limited the use of Corner Park to three days per month because groups and individuals were requesting its use for as long as a month. At the time, they also said signs must only be used during sanctioned events.
Officials said people abused the three-day rule by reserving the park at the end of the month for three days, and then reserving the park for an additional three days into the next month — for a total of six days.
“We do appreciate what you do,” Justice said, addressing Garcia and Strausbaugh. “I just don’t know how to change it at this point.”
Commissioner Denny Bittle said there is “no other option.” He said picking and choosing organizations that can use signage or flags would be discriminatory to others.
“Unfortunately, a few bad apples ruined the whole bushel of apples. But in our position, we don’t have another choice, in my opinion,” he said.
In a separate interview with Ashland Source, Garcia said she’s disappointed. She understands the commissioners’ position and role. She said she appreciates what they do.
“We’re letting the bad apples win, which is unfortunate,” she said.
Garcia said she would continue to be creative with how Safe Haven raises awareness surrounding domestic violence and sexual abuse.