ASHLAND — Ashland County commissioners made some changes to rules governing use of Corner Park following complaints about political activity on the grounds situated adjacent to the county board of elections.
Commissioners unanimously voted on the more restrictive changes during a regular meeting on Thursday.
Significant changes include:
- 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.
Three shirts on display in Corner Park for Safe Haven’s Clothesline Project.
Changes were made following complaints from residents. County records show a complaint dating back to July 18, 2023.
The complainant wrote an email stating she was surprised to see “a plethora of signs supporting Issue 1” on the grounds.
“I understand and support peoples’ right to stand with signs to voice their opinions on issues … what I don’t appreciate is having signs there without people. It seems that this is telling the community that Ashland City/County solely supports the Issue,” the Perrysville resident wrote.
Another resident wrote commissioners on Oct. 17.
“As a citizen of Ashland City and Ashland County, I find the political signs in a county or city park extremely distasteful, especially in light of the fact they are right across the street from the Board of Elections where early voting is taking place,” the resident wrote.
Commissioner Denny Bittle said the last couple elections have been an “s— show.”
“So we’ve got many complaints over the last couple years over the use of the park,” he said. “And every time we seem to think we have it fixed, somebody finds a loop hole for that fix. We’re hoping this will alleviate all the past issues we’ve had with the use of the Corner Park.”
Records show there were 23 applications to use Corner Park between July and Dec. 31 last year. Four of those were not approved.
Bittle said all current applicants must re-apply. Applications can be found online.