MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - Back in April, 21 News reported about a dispute between Millcreek Metroparks and McGuffey Historical Society Chairman, Richard Scarcella about the condition of the McGuffey Pond. 

Now, in a letter addressed to the Millcreek Metroparks Board, Mahoning County Commissioners are asking the board to work with Scarcella to restore the pond.

The pond is part of the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve, originally gifted to the Metroparks in 1998 along with $15,000 with an oral agreement for the money to be invested and set aside for future maintenance. 

24 years later, Scarcella told 21 News that little to no maintenance has been done to the pond since then and now describes the pond as "a near wetlands if not a swamp."

According to the letter, at an April 21 Board meeting, Scarcella expressed "deep concern and devastation" regarding the pond's condition, presenting pictures of the pond and the safety issues the pond may impose if left as is.

When asked about the oral agreement, Mill Creek Metroparks Executive Director, Aaron Young previously told us that he disagrees with Scarcella's classification of the pond and that he doesn't believe maintaining it is part of the agreement. 

"By no means is a pond, the redevelopment of a pond or even the creation of a new pond part of the agreement," Young said.

Now, the park has yet another opportunity to work with Scarcella to honor his wishes and restore the pond back to its former condition.