If the Ohio Department of Transportation can delay construction of a multimillion dollar bridge — which happened several times on the Ironton-Russell span — then surely they can wait a few more weeks before demolishing a rest area that has significant community ties but for which the operating costs are a drop in the bucket of ODOT’s entire budget.

But ODOT seems to be hell bent on demolishing Ellisonville Park, the only rest area between Ironton and Jackson on State Route 93, because they say it is no longer used and costs too much to maintain. It is ridiculous to tear down perfectly good facilities including shelters and restrooms while at least one community organization is considering the possibility of operating the park.

The county commissioners have opted not to take too active a role because the costs that could be associate with it. Ultimately this may make sense.

The park has significant community relevance and could for years to come. But ODOT has to offer more time.

Although the agency has delayed demolition that was initially scheduled for fall, they need to do more. It isn’t too much to ask for just a little more time, something ODOT certainly has in this case.