COLUMBUS, OH - Less than four years after the first "friends" organization was founded at Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County, more than 40 similar support groups are spearheading improvements in other state parks across Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The activities of our many park 'friends' not only benefit parks and visitors, they tighten the bonds between the parks and their local communities, said Dan West, Ohio State Parks chief. We continue to rely heavily on the support of our many volunteer groups to help maintain top quality services and facilities in the state park system.
In addition to "friends" groups, many other community-based volunteer support groups, such as lake advisory councils, trail-use organizations, civic clubs and U.S. Coast Guard auxiliaries have made significant improvements at parks within the last year.
In two instances - at Mohican State Park in Ashland County and Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County - volunteer projects were honored with the Ohio State Parks' Chief's Award - the system's highest recognition.
At Mohican State Park, the local "friends" group renovated the park's historic grist mill, opening it to the public with displays on the Mohican area's history and natural beauty. The group plans to add a shelter house and other public amenities to the park in coming years. The Friends of Beaver Creek State Park renovated a former park residence into a nature center, which is now heavily used for community meetings and educational activities.
Local "friends" groups also constructed a new playground at Alum Creek State Park's beach in Delaware County; improved an access road to the Kennedy Stone House at Salt Fork State Park in Muskingum County; added a much-needed parking lot at Quail Hollow State Park in Stark County and constructed shelter houses at Harrison Lake State Park in Fulton County and Stonelick State Park in Clermont County.
Ohio State Parks encompasses 74 parks, including eight resort lodges, six golf courses, more than 500 cottages and 57 family campgrounds with more than 9,000 campsites.