COLUMBUS, OH - The successful volunteer efforts at Malabar Farm State Park in Richfield County during the last year earned the park recognition as Ohio State Parks' Volunteer Park of the Year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Volunteers at the park donated 50,920 hours of their time.
The staff and volunteers at Malabar Farm have worked very closely together on many projects and special events at the park, including Ohio Heritage Days in September, which was attended by thousands of visitors, as well as maintaining the park's gardens.
"Volunteers are our ambassadors, building strong ties between the state parks and local communities," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "Our park volunteers help us provide excellent customer service to our visitors. They are integral in making our parks so successful." In 2003 there were 5,818 volunteers working in Ohio State Parks who contributed 324,479 hours of service, a record amount. Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County and Quail Hollow State Park in Stark County also received honorable mentions for their volunteerism. Volunteers at Beaver Creek and Quail Hollow donated 15,956 hours and 9,400 hours, respectively.
Volunteers donate their time in many ways, including providing campground host services, building and maintaining trails, litter pickup and beautification projects, aiding naturalists with programs and animal care. Volunteer programs offer opportunities for people of all ages and interests to participate. To become a park volunteer, contact a nearby state park or visit ohiodnr.com
EDITORS NOTE: Digital images of all Ohio State Parks award winners for 2003 are available at ohiodnr.com