By Hannah W. Wever

Published: April 24, 2008

To the editor,
Are your facts right, Mr. Johnson?
I would like to know, did you have a part in the building of Booster Park? Have you done any physical labor at the park? I didn’t think so. Could it be the folks operating the park aren’t doing things to your satisfaction because you have someone else you would like to see operate the park now that such a great job has been done and the park would be set up?
I say thanks to everyone who has had a hand in building the park. Hats off to them. It is a beautiful park.
Would the park exist as it does today if it were not for George Shifflett, the president of the Boosters? His dream was to have a place for the youth to play sports and it became a reality. I think I am also correct in stating this park was once a pasture field and it is what it is today because of the Booster staff, volunteers and businesses around Orange. They all have done a wonderful job with the park and that can’t be denied. They deserve credit, not criticism.
This park is an asset to Orange and you should well agree with that. Not too many cities/towns have such nice facilities for their youth. By the way, I volunteer my time helping get the word out for the Boosters Bluegrass Festival and other events. I take nothing in exchange. Having special events is good for Orange County because it brings revenue through tourism, as well as a few dollars for the upkeep of the park. And for you to imply there are dishonest things going on with the personnel, when all they have tried to do is hold events to make money for the upkeep of the park, is shameful.
Why shouldn’t other events be allowed there? Your negative comments are distasteful.
Vi Talley