By Jane Smith
5/23/07 — CONNEAUT LAKE — Greg Sutterlin of Conneaut Lake wasn’t happy with the news Tuesday that Conneaut Lake Park will remain closed.
He is an avid park fan and has started a “one-day campaign” to raise $100,000 to get the park open again.
He and a fellow Conneaut Lake-area resident have both put up $5,000 each and now are challenging other residents to do the same.
“I hope there are other people who would give a pure donation and help provide funds to open the park,” he said.
Sutterlin is the man who previously attempted to purchase 3.3 acres of land at the park for $1.9 million to provide money for it to open.
He said if the campaign isn’t successful, checks would be returned uncashed.
“I also am challenging our state legislators and county commissioners to match the money we raise,” said Sutterlin, citing the economic benefits of the park to Crawford County.
He agrees the park won’t be able to open this weekend, but is hopeful enough money can be raised to open it later this summer.
George Deshner, director of operations at the park, has agreed to accept the money. Anyone wishing to join the campaign may contact him at 382-5115.
However, he said the park will need $300,000 to open by July 4.
