Craftsmen Park Relief Fund
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The Craftsmen Park Relief Fund is seeking donations to help Craftsmen Park pay $300,000 in unexpected delinquent property tax debt.
Generous donors like you are the key to our success and will make it possible for Craftsmen Park to continue to provide a beautiful location for everyone to enjoy for years to come. All funds raised will go directly toward the repayment of the delinquent property taxes.
What is Craftsmen Park?
Craftsmen Park was formed in 1933 as a 501-c3 non-profit organization sponsored by members of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio residing in Summit County. Its purpose is to provide a facility to be used for camps for children, teaching them the moral and ethical skills needed to become good citizens and productive members of society.
In 1948, Craftsmen Park purchased the property it now occupies on the shores of Rex Lake in the City of New Franklin, Ohio. Comprising of 68 acres, this property gave the Masonic Fraternity the flexibility to expand and to offer the use of its amenities to other organizations interested in the welfare of our youth. Today this includes the Boy Scouts of America, many school band camps, church groups, Rotary International, Camp Quality, Capstone Masonic Youth Camp and the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program, as well as the Masonic Boys and Girls Camps. Craftsmen Park is also home to a 52 lot seasonal campground, May through October.
Funding to support Craftsmen Park comes primarily from the generosity of the Masonic Fraternity of Summit County and individual private donations. These funds are used to provide for the operation and maintenance of the park and it facilities. Our work force is primarily made up of volunteers; and the continual renovation and improvement of our facilities have been done through, generously donated time, and special donations for specific improvements.
How did we get here?
In 2002 Craftsmen Park was advised that we were eligible for property tax exemption, so the Park Board filed for property tax exemption. The Park was told that the probability of receiving a property tax exempt status was very favorable. It was suggested that the park setup an escrow account for tax purposes, and while the property tax exemption decision was being made no taxes were due. However, the park found itself in financial distress and spent the money in the escrow account to keep the park open; and has never been able to replace the funds that were used.
It took until 2010 for the State of Ohio Tax Board, to decide that they would not grant The Park a property tax exempt status. Craftsmen Park immediately filed an appeal with the State of Ohio Tax Board of Appeals. That appeal took until 2013 and again the board refused to grant Craftsmen Park an exempt status.
Craftsmen Park then hired an attorney to help with the appeal process. Our attorneys led us to believe we had a very strong case and would win without an issue. They took our case all the way to the 9th District Court of Appeals. Craftsmen Park had to wait until 2015 for the final decision, which was once again denied.
Where do we go from here?
Today Craftsmen Park is thriving. Our campsites and boat docks are full, and we have a waiting list for both. Our pavilions, cabins, and halls are rented almost every weekend during the summer months.
Below is just a small portion of a list of entities that use Craftsmen Park:
The Park is the home of Faith’s Foundation Ministries, a church that rents our Dance Hall year round.
The Portage Lakes Rowing Association, which is the only organized sweep rowing team in the Akron area, and the Dragon Dream Team, a rowing team made up of women that have been diagnosed with breast cancer and/or are breast cancer survivors; rent and share the basement of the Dance Hall, which has been renamed The Boat House.
Camp Quality rents the majority of our park once a year to provide a week long camp and outdoor experience for children with cancer and their siblings at no charge to the family.
DeMolay, is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives.
Boy Scout and Cub Scout camps and activities, many local schools hold events and activities at Craftsmen Park.
We also have several youth softball teams and a charity softball games that are held in the ball fields at Craftsmen Park.
Over the last few years the park has been able to sustain itself and thrive. We are able to handle all day to day expenses to maintain and grow. The current administration has worked hard to build the parks finances. Craftsmen Park employs 1 full time manager and 2 part-time seasonal employees. We also have numerous dedicated volunteers. The park is financially strong enough to pay any current and recurring taxes, however we are looking for donations to help us with this large unexpected delinquent property tax debt.
With your help our future is bright; please help us repay the delinquent taxes and move on to our future.
The Craftsmen Park Relief Fund is seeking donations to help Craftsmen Park pay $300,000 in unexpected delinquent property tax debt.
Generous donors like you are the key to our success and will make it possible for Craftsmen Park to continue to provide a beautiful location for everyone to enjoy for years to come. All funds raised will go directly toward the repayment of the delinquent property taxes.
What is Craftsmen Park?
Craftsmen Park was formed in 1933 as a 501-c3 non-profit organization sponsored by members of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio residing in Summit County. Its purpose is to provide a facility to be used for camps for children, teaching them the moral and ethical skills needed to become good citizens and productive members of society.
In 1948, Craftsmen Park purchased the property it now occupies on the shores of Rex Lake in the City of New Franklin, Ohio. Comprising of 68 acres, this property gave the Masonic Fraternity the flexibility to expand and to offer the use of its amenities to other organizations interested in the welfare of our youth. Today this includes the Boy Scouts of America, many school band camps, church groups, Rotary International, Camp Quality, Capstone Masonic Youth Camp and the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program, as well as the Masonic Boys and Girls Camps. Craftsmen Park is also home to a 52 lot seasonal campground, May through October.
Funding to support Craftsmen Park comes primarily from the generosity of the Masonic Fraternity of Summit County and individual private donations. These funds are used to provide for the operation and maintenance of the park and it facilities. Our work force is primarily made up of volunteers; and the continual renovation and improvement of our facilities have been done through, generously donated time, and special donations for specific improvements.
How did we get here?
In 2002 Craftsmen Park was advised that we were eligible for property tax exemption, so the Park Board filed for property tax exemption. The Park was told that the probability of receiving a property tax exempt status was very favorable. It was suggested that the park setup an escrow account for tax purposes, and while the property tax exemption decision was being made no taxes were due. However, the park found itself in financial distress and spent the money in the escrow account to keep the park open; and has never been able to replace the funds that were used.
It took until 2010 for the State of Ohio Tax Board, to decide that they would not grant The Park a property tax exempt status. Craftsmen Park immediately filed an appeal with the State of Ohio Tax Board of Appeals. That appeal took until 2013 and again the board refused to grant Craftsmen Park an exempt status.
Craftsmen Park then hired an attorney to help with the appeal process. Our attorneys led us to believe we had a very strong case and would win without an issue. They took our case all the way to the 9th District Court of Appeals. Craftsmen Park had to wait until 2015 for the final decision, which was once again denied.
Where do we go from here?
Today Craftsmen Park is thriving. Our campsites and boat docks are full, and we have a waiting list for both. Our pavilions, cabins, and halls are rented almost every weekend during the summer months.
Below is just a small portion of a list of entities that use Craftsmen Park:
The Park is the home of Faith’s Foundation Ministries, a church that rents our Dance Hall year round.
The Portage Lakes Rowing Association, which is the only organized sweep rowing team in the Akron area, and the Dragon Dream Team, a rowing team made up of women that have been diagnosed with breast cancer and/or are breast cancer survivors; rent and share the basement of the Dance Hall, which has been renamed The Boat House.
Camp Quality rents the majority of our park once a year to provide a week long camp and outdoor experience for children with cancer and their siblings at no charge to the family.
DeMolay, is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives.
Boy Scout and Cub Scout camps and activities, many local schools hold events and activities at Craftsmen Park.
We also have several youth softball teams and a charity softball games that are held in the ball fields at Craftsmen Park.
Over the last few years the park has been able to sustain itself and thrive. We are able to handle all day to day expenses to maintain and grow. The current administration has worked hard to build the parks finances. Craftsmen Park employs 1 full time manager and 2 part-time seasonal employees. We also have numerous dedicated volunteers. The park is financially strong enough to pay any current and recurring taxes, however we are looking for donations to help us with this large unexpected delinquent property tax debt.
With your help our future is bright; please help us repay the delinquent taxes and move on to our future.
Rick Johnston Jr.
Craftsmen Park Administrator
Wayfarer #789
Generous donors like you are the key to our success and will make it possible for Craftsmen Park to continue to provide a beautiful location for everyone to enjoy for years to come. All funds raised will go directly toward the repayment of the delinquent property taxes.
What is Craftsmen Park?
Craftsmen Park was formed in 1933 as a 501-c3 non-profit organization sponsored by members of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio residing in Summit County. Its purpose is to provide a facility to be used for camps for children, teaching them the moral and ethical skills needed to become good citizens and productive members of society.
In 1948, Craftsmen Park purchased the property it now occupies on the shores of Rex Lake in the City of New Franklin, Ohio. Comprising of 68 acres, this property gave the Masonic Fraternity the flexibility to expand and to offer the use of its amenities to other organizations interested in the welfare of our youth. Today this includes the Boy Scouts of America, many school band camps, church groups, Rotary International, Camp Quality, Capstone Masonic Youth Camp and the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program, as well as the Masonic Boys and Girls Camps. Craftsmen Park is also home to a 52 lot seasonal campground, May through October.
Funding to support Craftsmen Park comes primarily from the generosity of the Masonic Fraternity of Summit County and individual private donations. These funds are used to provide for the operation and maintenance of the park and it facilities. Our work force is primarily made up of volunteers; and the continual renovation and improvement of our facilities have been done through, generously donated time, and special donations for specific improvements.
How did we get here?
In 2002 Craftsmen Park was advised that we were eligible for property tax exemption, so the Park Board filed for property tax exemption. The Park was told that the probability of receiving a property tax exempt status was very favorable. It was suggested that the park setup an escrow account for tax purposes, and while the property tax exemption decision was being made no taxes were due. However, the park found itself in financial distress and spent the money in the escrow account to keep the park open; and has never been able to replace the funds that were used.
It took until 2010 for the State of Ohio Tax Board, to decide that they would not grant The Park a property tax exempt status. Craftsmen Park immediately filed an appeal with the State of Ohio Tax Board of Appeals. That appeal took until 2013 and again the board refused to grant Craftsmen Park an exempt status.
Craftsmen Park then hired an attorney to help with the appeal process. Our attorneys led us to believe we had a very strong case and would win without an issue. They took our case all the way to the 9th District Court of Appeals. Craftsmen Park had to wait until 2015 for the final decision, which was once again denied.
Where do we go from here?
Today Craftsmen Park is thriving. Our campsites and boat docks are full, and we have a waiting list for both. Our pavilions, cabins, and halls are rented almost every weekend during the summer months.
Below is just a small portion of a list of entities that use Craftsmen Park:
The Park is the home of Faith’s Foundation Ministries, a church that rents our Dance Hall year round.
The Portage Lakes Rowing Association, which is the only organized sweep rowing team in the Akron area, and the Dragon Dream Team, a rowing team made up of women that have been diagnosed with breast cancer and/or are breast cancer survivors; rent and share the basement of the Dance Hall, which has been renamed The Boat House.
Camp Quality rents the majority of our park once a year to provide a week long camp and outdoor experience for children with cancer and their siblings at no charge to the family.
DeMolay, is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives.
Boy Scout and Cub Scout camps and activities, many local schools hold events and activities at Craftsmen Park.
We also have several youth softball teams and a charity softball games that are held in the ball fields at Craftsmen Park.
Over the last few years the park has been able to sustain itself and thrive. We are able to handle all day to day expenses to maintain and grow. The current administration has worked hard to build the parks finances. Craftsmen Park employs 1 full time manager and 2 part-time seasonal employees. We also have numerous dedicated volunteers. The park is financially strong enough to pay any current and recurring taxes, however we are looking for donations to help us with this large unexpected delinquent property tax debt.
With your help our future is bright; please help us repay the delinquent taxes and move on to our future.
The Craftsmen Park Relief Fund is seeking donations to help Craftsmen Park pay $300,000 in unexpected delinquent property tax debt.
Generous donors like you are the key to our success and will make it possible for Craftsmen Park to continue to provide a beautiful location for everyone to enjoy for years to come. All funds raised will go directly toward the repayment of the delinquent property taxes.
What is Craftsmen Park?
Craftsmen Park was formed in 1933 as a 501-c3 non-profit organization sponsored by members of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio residing in Summit County. Its purpose is to provide a facility to be used for camps for children, teaching them the moral and ethical skills needed to become good citizens and productive members of society.
In 1948, Craftsmen Park purchased the property it now occupies on the shores of Rex Lake in the City of New Franklin, Ohio. Comprising of 68 acres, this property gave the Masonic Fraternity the flexibility to expand and to offer the use of its amenities to other organizations interested in the welfare of our youth. Today this includes the Boy Scouts of America, many school band camps, church groups, Rotary International, Camp Quality, Capstone Masonic Youth Camp and the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program, as well as the Masonic Boys and Girls Camps. Craftsmen Park is also home to a 52 lot seasonal campground, May through October.
Funding to support Craftsmen Park comes primarily from the generosity of the Masonic Fraternity of Summit County and individual private donations. These funds are used to provide for the operation and maintenance of the park and it facilities. Our work force is primarily made up of volunteers; and the continual renovation and improvement of our facilities have been done through, generously donated time, and special donations for specific improvements.
How did we get here?
In 2002 Craftsmen Park was advised that we were eligible for property tax exemption, so the Park Board filed for property tax exemption. The Park was told that the probability of receiving a property tax exempt status was very favorable. It was suggested that the park setup an escrow account for tax purposes, and while the property tax exemption decision was being made no taxes were due. However, the park found itself in financial distress and spent the money in the escrow account to keep the park open; and has never been able to replace the funds that were used.
It took until 2010 for the State of Ohio Tax Board, to decide that they would not grant The Park a property tax exempt status. Craftsmen Park immediately filed an appeal with the State of Ohio Tax Board of Appeals. That appeal took until 2013 and again the board refused to grant Craftsmen Park an exempt status.
Craftsmen Park then hired an attorney to help with the appeal process. Our attorneys led us to believe we had a very strong case and would win without an issue. They took our case all the way to the 9th District Court of Appeals. Craftsmen Park had to wait until 2015 for the final decision, which was once again denied.
Where do we go from here?
Today Craftsmen Park is thriving. Our campsites and boat docks are full, and we have a waiting list for both. Our pavilions, cabins, and halls are rented almost every weekend during the summer months.
Below is just a small portion of a list of entities that use Craftsmen Park:
The Park is the home of Faith’s Foundation Ministries, a church that rents our Dance Hall year round.
The Portage Lakes Rowing Association, which is the only organized sweep rowing team in the Akron area, and the Dragon Dream Team, a rowing team made up of women that have been diagnosed with breast cancer and/or are breast cancer survivors; rent and share the basement of the Dance Hall, which has been renamed The Boat House.
Camp Quality rents the majority of our park once a year to provide a week long camp and outdoor experience for children with cancer and their siblings at no charge to the family.
DeMolay, is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives.
Boy Scout and Cub Scout camps and activities, many local schools hold events and activities at Craftsmen Park.
We also have several youth softball teams and a charity softball games that are held in the ball fields at Craftsmen Park.
Over the last few years the park has been able to sustain itself and thrive. We are able to handle all day to day expenses to maintain and grow. The current administration has worked hard to build the parks finances. Craftsmen Park employs 1 full time manager and 2 part-time seasonal employees. We also have numerous dedicated volunteers. The park is financially strong enough to pay any current and recurring taxes, however we are looking for donations to help us with this large unexpected delinquent property tax debt.
With your help our future is bright; please help us repay the delinquent taxes and move on to our future.
Rick Johnston Jr.
Craftsmen Park Administrator
Wayfarer #789
Organizer
Rick Johnston Jr.
Organizer
Akron, OH
