The commissioners discussed a future project to implement windows in the Nelsonville-York high school and the possibility of revamping the whole parks system.
Jessie Powers, community development manager for the Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action Plan, paid Athens County Commissioners a visit at their meeting Tuesday morning to consult with them on a project to replace six windows at the old Nelsonville High School.
The winning — and only — bid for the project came from Hemm’s Glass Shop Inc. based out of Troy, Ohio, for $23,875.
Powers said a grant HAPCAP requested should cover $18,958 of the total cost, while the rest of the funds are to come from the Nelsonville Restoration Foundation.
Powers said she believes the windows will be installed in the spring or summer, and it should take about three to six months to finalize the project.
“The windows are huge and will be nice,” Powers added.
Additionally, the former Dean of Natural Resources at Hocking College, Ken Bowald, stopped by the meeting to discuss the current state of the Athens County parks system.
“I see a lot of potential here that just needs the right leadership to give it some direction,” Bowald said.
Bowald is looking to train park interpreters and guides for the recreational parks around Athens that could contribute to the future of a successful park system.
“The parks are supposed to be for the people, and if the right programming and people are put in place then the community members will embrace nature and the outdoor lifestyle,” Bowald added.
Some of the programs Bowald would like to implement locally include hiking tours, backpacking, bird watching and many other “non-formal sporting activities,” he said.
Bowald specifically pointed out Strouds Run State Park as a destination that isn't fulfilling its full potential, and with the right programming, could flourish.
“Of course I enjoy the outdoors and I will benefit personally from a revamped parks system but I believe it would be beneficial for the county as it will bring in money and people,” Bowald said.
The commissioners were planning to cement a job description for the new county planner they have been hoping to hire since December, but ultimately elected to do so at a later date.
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