As work on the first phase of the Festival Park project nears completion, perhaps it’s a good time to remind area folks Festival Park is for their use and enjoyment.

It’s also a good time to remind them, especially Washington taxpayers, they have ownership in Festival Park. After all, the city provided nearly $300,000 to help pay for the first phase.

In September 2010, the city accepted a $295,125 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources to help begin the project. The city is providing a matching $295,125 toward the project.

The first phase of the Festival Park project includes site preparation, paver drives and walkways in addition to the erection of the premanufactured stage and picnic pavilions. Completion is scheduled for this month.

The city is investing a large amount of money in the project. Because of that, it’s no surprise that Phil Mobley, the city’s parks and recreation director, said during the City Council’s meeting Monday the city must make sure that investment is protected.

Because taxpayers’ money is being spent on the project, we believe a great majority of those taxpayers will have a sense of ownership when it comes to Festival Park. With their money invested in the project, we believe that many of them will want to make sure that Festival Park and the amenities there are properly used, properly maintained and properly secured when not in use.

Using Festival Park means making sure that others do not abuse Festival Park. It’s an investment that requires our protection.