I wanted to take a moment to thank all the people who made a positive difference in our community through hard work and perseverance within our parks and recreational services. First, I thank park employees Matt Coleman, Todd Maddox and the few seasonal employees who served and for some lost their jobs as a result of budget cuts. These current and past employees, along with many volunteers, truly care about what they do to make the city of Tiffin a great place to live, work, play and raise a family.
Through all of our challenging times, many people came forward to assist where needed to continue providing our city with quality programs and park facilities. I would like to thank Tiffin Charitable Foundation and all the great people who put so much into supporting the foundation's efforts in contributing towards some very worthy causes such as the Access to Recreation projects through the Kellogg Foundation Grant. The Schekelhoff Nature Preserve Park development and the improvements to Hedges-Boyer Park resulted in providing people with and without disabilities recreational opportunities that were vast improvements for our city and county. I also thank Tiffin Charitable Foundation for providing funds for new playground equipment at Beechwood Park through White Family Trust Fund.
I also thank Tiffin Moose, who year after year continues to support parks and programs benefiting children and families in so many positive ways. I also thank National City Bank for sponsoring our summer concert series and Summer Splash. Shirley Smith and many others within National City Bank continue to see the importance in providing musical entertainment on Sunday evenings throughout the summer months.
As a result of being awarded funds through the Community Development Block Grant, thankfully, we were able to install an asphalt trail around the perimeter of Oakley Park, allowing people to enjoy a walk in the park and not have to walk in the street to exercise and enjoy this beautiful park in our city's north end. I also thank the Ron and Judy Von Blon family for supporting the swimming pool facility and our free swimming lessons for children of our community in their generosity through the John E. Pollock Fund.
Many others, such as the Paul M. & Lucy J. Gillmore Foundation, National Machinery Foundation, Rotary Foundation, Webster Foundation, Tiffin Elks, Optimist Club and many others, have financially supported us with regards to disc golf improvements, the Frost Parkway Christmas lights, the swimming pool and our recreation and youth and adult sports programs. The decision makers of these foundations and service organizations are local people who recognize the value in what they support, and this is demonstrated by the genuine care and concern, not just for our parks, but for our city and the people within.
I believe it is important to recognize and give thanks to everyone who organizes and supports the Heritage Festival, the Cross Country Carnival, the various car shows and the disc golf efforts in bringing the world championships to Tiffin for their tremendous work they do in promoting our community, showcasing the parks and bringing in outside investment, resulting in an enhancement to our local economy.
Fact Box
Steve Dryfuse is director of Tifin Parks & Recreation.
Our partnerships and collaborative efforts with other organizations, such as Tiffin Community YMCA, OSS Solid Waste District, Seneca County Park District, Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, our local school systems, Sentinel Career Center and Heidelberg University and Tiffin University allow us to better serve the city in an efficient way that provides the highest quality of service.
I also would like to thank Larry Adelsperger and Brad Lonsway, along with the entire volunteer staff, for what they do in promoting baseball in Tiffin in memory of Bo Reid, who served in an exemplary manner on our park board for many years. The annual Bo Reid Memorial Baseball Tournament generates funds to be used for park improvements such as improving the disc golf course, sealing walking paths, improving playground facilities, athletic courts and ball diamonds.
I also thank Molly Lofton and our swimming pool lifeguards, who are kids of local families who represent our swimming pool, parks department and our city exceptionally well. I am proud to work with each and every one of them and very thankful for their service to our community. These people have served as good examples and great role models for the thousands who visit our swimming pool every year.
I thank our small recreation staff and the dozens of volunteers, which include Izaak Walton League, Browns Backers, Seneca Bass Masters, etc., who help us with youth sports leagues, special events, programs and camps. Their interest and care in helping children and families is very obvious in the day-to-day work they do in our parks.
Finally, I thank our park board, city council, city administration and, most particularly, the taxpayers for supporting our mission to provide the people of Tiffin with full and equitable access to local parks, and trails, recreational programs and leisure opportunities that enhances the quality of life in our community. I truly believe and remain confident that many in this city realize and understand the value and endless benefits we offer.
With that being said, I also see the challenges that are ahead as we move forward. There is so much more that needs to be, and can be, accomplished as long as we have stability, continue to build and strengthen our relationships, have a clear vision and are provided the necessary resources to do so.
I welcome anyone to contact me for questions and/or suggestions on how we can continue to provide and improve in our mission. It is truly a privilege and honor to work with the city of Tiffin and its employees in serving this great community. Best wishes to all of you for a healthy and happy holiday season!
