New manager hopes to launch winter festival at Hyrum State Park
November 5th, 2011 Posted in OpinionBy Kristi Ottley
HYRUM – The Hyrum State Park could be at risk for with the possibility of the state parks budgets being cut. It is not known when the potential cut in funding of the parks could happen, or which parks may be considered for closure, but since Hyrum State Park was on the list to be closed if the budget was decreased a few years ago, being concerned may be justified.
“I’m going to do obviously everything that I can to make sure that doesn’t happen,” said Park Manager Chris Haramoto.
A very positive and upbeat Haramoto reassured the Hyrum City Council Thursday that he was going to work hard and do everything he could to make the park successful and prevent it from being closed.
“My job up here is to generate a little more revenue, and also reduce our costs,” Haramoto said. “A combination of these two will be very beneficial.”
Getting the community out to the park and more involved is one way Haramoto plans to make the park successful. He is working on getting some winter events going at the park, including a winter festival with ice skating and snow volleyball. He has been in contact with local businesses about sponsoring such events and providing prizes or gift cards that will help get their names out.
“I’m trying to work with the local community businesses,” Haramoto said. “We can help make them successful and we will also be successful in return.”
He has also been communicating with the local hotels and making sure they have information about the park to pass along to visitors to the area. “We need to find ways to get people who are passing through the valley out to the park,” he said.
Mayor Dean Howard had a few suggestions for Haramoto. “We need to get Cache Chamber of Commerce on board with us.”
Haramoto confirmed that he is working with them as well as the tourism office.
Haramoto, who has only been park manager for three months, says he has his work cut out for him, but is excited for the challenge. He graduated from USU in natural resources, and was thrilled to receive the promotion that brought him back to Cache Valley.
“With some other details we can improve, but still keep the nice small town feel that Hyrum State Park has,” said Haramoto.
The mayor and council members gave Haramoto their support and gratitude for the good job he has been doing. “We are grateful for your energy, and we want to keep Hyrum State Park vital for the community,” said Howard. “If there is anything we can do to give our support to you and the park.”
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Tags: budget cuts, city council, Hyrum State Park
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