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BAZETTA -- The Bazetta Park Board and the Logan's Landing Project will be partnering to do fundraising for projects at the township park where Imagination Station is located.
Township trustees at the July meeting approved entering into a community partnership with Logan's Landing for future grant and funding opportunities.
Carrie Biery, who founded Logan's Landing in 2025, said to raise money for the park, people can purchase wooden squares or contribute toward picnic tables, beaches and fence pieces for placement at the park,
"This is similar to what other towns do with bricks, but we would be doing this with benches, fences and picnic tables. We will hold an event for children to kick this fundraiser off. The wooden squares can be placed by the playground or the railings of the fence. This way, the children are making their mark on the park," Biery said.
Mary Gearhart-Kaschak, park/recreation board chairwoman, said the "Leave Your Mark at Bazetta Township Park" fundraiser to get fences, picnic tables and benches for the park will be selling personalized fence pickets.
Biery said the Logan's Landing Project is to bring more all inclusive events and play units to different locations.
She said she helped the Howland Township park board get a fence around Tiger Town and raised $40,000 for a paved walking trail for Bazetta Park.
"This is a great partnership that will give us a lot of opportunities to get some outside funding we desperately need to upgrade the park," said Bazetta Trustee Chairman Mike Hovis.
In other business, trustees voted 2-1 for a contract with Journeys Petting Zoo and Carriage Rides for having carriage rides and a petting zoo Nov. 21 at the park for $850 and Bob and Kat's Lil Kritters to participate at township park events.
Hovis and trustee Joel Davis approved the agreements, while trustee Bob McBride voted against them.
McBride said he was concerned about liability with animals and birds at the events, noting he would not want to see any lawsuits from residents or visitors if someone would get hurt because of an animal or bird.
He said he attended an event at Mosquito Lake Park where he witnessed an owl swat at a young child's face, which he said could result in liability against the township.
"We have to remember that these are wild animals. They are not pets,'' McBride said.
Martha Urchek, a park board member, said she has never seen an incident with Bob and Kat's Lil Kritters, noting they are trained handlers who hold the animals and birds so they cannot get away.
"I have never seen an incident. They have the birds on their arms and they can't fly away. These programs provide enjoyment and allow children to learn about conservation and wildlife. It is a great program I want to see continue,'' she said.
Other residents said parents need to have responsibility to watch their children at such events and there should be no petting permitted.
Resident Robert Steiner said he wants to see programs at the park that attract families. He also said he would like to see a music concert geared to children.
"There are 19 pieces of music in the parks, but none are for kids,'' he said.
In other business, trustees approved a new contract with police Chief Chris Herlinger from June 2026 to December 2028. Herlinger's annual salary is $80,000.