|
RECORD NUMBER OF OHIOANS VOLUNTEERED
IN OHIO STATE PARKS LAST YEAR
More than 7,000 volunteers provided a wide range of services for visitors
COLUMBUS, OH - More citizens of all ages than ever before volunteered in Ohio State Parks in 2004, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). A record 7,036 volunteers donated 345,967 hours of service, a significant increase from 2003 when 5,818 volunteers provided 324,479 service hours.
“More and more, our state park system is relying on dedicated volunteers to assist a declining number of full-time employees in providing services,” said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. “Volunteerism is a great way for citizens to make a meaningful contribution at their local state parks. There are opportunities for people of all ages, from youngsters to seniors, to make tangible improvements at the parks and to feel a genuine sense of pride in their contribution.”
Last year, state park volunteers assisted naturalists with programs and animal care, planted flower beds and helped with grounds maintenance, greeted campers and helped organize special events. In some instances, families worked together to maintain hiking and riding trails.
An increasing number of volunteers are young people in scout, school and church groups, mountain bikers and disc golf enthusiasts.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact your local Ohio State Park or go to ohiostateparks.org
|