Public Can Share Comments on Selling State Parks

BRANSON MO NEWS:

BRANSON, Mo. — Four state parks in Missouri are in jeopardy of closing before they’ve ever opened.Now it’s the public’s turn to weigh in.The Department of Natural Resources purchased four parks towards the end of Jay Nixon’s time as governor in 2016, but those parks have been closed since Governor Eric Greitens took office.A meeting was held today in Branson to get public input on what to do with Ozark Mountain State Park.The director of Missouri state parks says right now, selling the property isn’t a priority.”We’re looking at how can we make this property meet the mission of our natural resource stewardship, of which it was purchased for, and to provide access to Missourians and our guests,” said Ben Ellis, the director.”We just hope and pray that the state will keep this as a state park,” said Elda Jones, a Taney County resident. “It’s one of the most beautiful places there is on this side of heaven.”The next meeting is tomorrow night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bryant Creek Park in Ava.You can head to mostateparks.org until Jan. 5 to give your input.