Butler County MetroParks is facing the worst economy since its start in 1995 and is in desperate need for volunteers.
MetroParks is a countywide park system throughout Ohio and continually relies on volunteers and donations for its survival.
According to Susan Stretch, spokesperson for Butler County MetroParks, the organization is in desperate need for volunteers and has recently sent out loads of information to the community about its economic situation in hopes of directing more attention toward the growing problem.
MetroParks is even more vulnerable to the changes in the economy than other organizations because it relies so heavily on volunteer time and donations, Stretch said.
Without donations from individuals and corporations, MetroParks has to rely on money funded by the state, which Stretch said is not near the amount needed to keep up with day to day management of the parks.
After recently announcing the plan to keep parks open despite budget concerns, MetroParks needs additional volunteers more than ever, Stretch said.
"We have such a variety of volunteer opportunities available," Stretch said. "Whether it's law enforcement or marketing, it gives students a chance to see if that is a career area for them. Classroom learning can be very different than real world application."
According to Stretch, the MetroParks of Butler County is very welcoming of new volunteers.
According to Stretch, many cuts had to be made this year. No longer are the parks participating in school field trips and many staff members have seen their hours drastically cut.
The Butler County MetroParks is making a huge effort to keep their doors open.
"I think the MetroParks are a positive organization, and I would definitely volunteer my time," Miami University first-year Abby Stein said. "Everyone needs to pitch in during a time like this."
Stretch said summer is a great time for volunteering, especially for students staying in the Oxford area. The Butler County MetroParks is looking for all available volunteers, whether groups of individuals, short term or long term.
"Our volunteers have always been an important part of our team and right now they are invaluable, but we need even more help to get us through this tight time," Stretch said.
