When Observatory Park got its designation as a dark-sky park, the dedication speech said, “There is nothing in the world which can compare to Observatory Park.” The park system website also declares, “It is Geauga Park District’s intent to protect this natural area in perpetuity.”

      In spite of this lofty promise, at the Jan. 12 Geauga Park District board meeting, Executive Director John Oros announced to the board that he intends to unilaterally issue a special use permit for a trial program of 40 snowmobile permits per day on weekends in Observatory Park. He claimed that he has the authority to implement this program without a vote by the board.