Friends of Rum Island Park is now up and running. Thanks to Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson who spearheaded this group, we now have locals banded together to collectively address this issue.
This park has forever been essentially abandoned by Lake City authorities, perhaps because it sits at the very bottom of the county, and probably more likely because even the commissioner in whose district it lies has few concerns for his constituents.
The park has extensive use on weekends which overstresses the facilities, and suffers abuse from a few uncaring and inconsiderate users who leave a huge mess behind. It takes only a few careless users to ruin it for many.
Miracle of miracles, and again, thanks to Merrillee, the county has deigned to allocate money for toilets and take a look at the needs. This group will ascertain the consensus of the locals who use the park, and present this to the Columbia BOCC with the hope that they will listen.
The group will meet at the park every Tue. from 6:30 to 7:30, weekly until it has progressed enough sustain itself for longer periods. Follow the progress at the website: Friends of Rum Island Park.
Merrillee has given a very detailed and excellent report about the first meeting, last night May 22, 2o18, so we will not repeat that here. Go to the website to be brought up to date.
The solution is not yet at hand and the park needs your help. Come out next Tues. to get started.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-