Fred Markle believes now is the time that those who use the park give something back ... if they can.

"We are starting a new campaign, Pride in the Park," Markle said. "Our city park is the most used piece of property the city of Linton has.

"As a member of the Park Board, which is now called the Park Committee, for over 10 years, I have seen many changes. Our state has continually lowered our community funding. Like all communities across the country we have to tighten our belts."

And find ways to do more -- or just maintain in several cases -- with less.

"Our park is one of the few places that families can go for free and enjoy," Markle stressed. "Much of the park equipment is worn out or in need of repair. Many of the buildings are in need of upgrading. Our list is large and money and labor is small."

Markle, with the blessing of Linton Mayor Tom Jones, says now is the time to step up and refurbish the park.

"It's time to step up to the plate. The park belongs to every person in our community, and now we need to pull together and help," Markle explained.

"Tom Jones and I have discussed this for a long time. It's time to get involved."

The Pride in the Park campaign will kick off Thursday with a meeting at the west shelterhouse at Humphreys Park. It will start at 7 p.m.

"Our first objective to talk about is projects and events to improve our park," Markle said. "We have many organizations, clubs and churches that could take on a project."

Some of the ideas Markle tossed out include:

* Adopt a swing. "They could paint and repair, and maintain a piece of equipment."

* Get retired people to help. "An example would be planting flowers and maintaining them or just policing an area like picking up sticks and trash."

* Getting the school involved. "We could let school classes make a project like a flower bed or cleaning up an area. Or they could have a community garden for helping feed the needy."

* Starting a skateboard park "by building their own equipment."

There are several such things already taking place at Humphreys Park.

They include:

* The Linton First Christian Church's Christmas lights project.

* The Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce fixing the bandshell stage area.

* Chris Carr removing the witch's hat and rebuilding it in his shop this winter.

* Linton-Stockton fourth graders building and maintain a butterfly garden.

* The summer children's lunch program.

* Don Lawson cleaning up the area.

* The city buying new playground equipment.

Markle is confident people will respond to the Pride in the Park campaign.

"I know we can come together and do this worthwhile community project," he said.

Chris is the general manager/editor of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com .