MANAGER OF MALABAR FARM STATE PARK HONORED FOR “SERVICE & STEWARDSHIP”
COLUMBUS, OH Louis Andres, long-time manager of Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County, has received Ohio State Parks’ “Service & Stewardship Award” for 2005, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
The award recognizes Andres’ efforts to successfully implement long-term goals of Ohio State Parks in his day-to-day operations.
"Louis excels at marketing his park as a tourism destination,” said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. “He also excels at developing community partnerships that strengthen the bonds between this very unique park and the people who support it.”
Andres partners with The Ohio State University, local correctional facilities, the area convention and visitors’ bureau and several local businesses to get projects completed at the park. He is a community leader and works closely with his region’s bike and trails clubs, the Ohio Horsemen’s Council and others to improve park facilities.
In the last few years, he has personally worked with the Malabar Foundation to raise funds for a new environmentally friendly visitor education center. That center is well on its way to completion.
“ The division, the community and the public benefit greatly from the innovative and entrepreneurial attitude and perseverance conveyed by Louis,” West said.
Ohio's 74 state parks encompass nine resort lodges, six golf courses, more than 500 cottages and 56 family campgrounds with more than 9,000 campsites. For additional information, visit the ohiodnr.com web site.
Louis Andres, center, manager of Malabar Farm State Park, receives the Ohio State Parks Service & Stewardship Award from state parks chief Dan West, right. ODNR Director Sam Speck is at left.