News Release

COLUMBUS, OH -- The Volunteers-In-Parks program at Sycamore State Park in Montgomery County has received honorable mention as Ohio's Volunteer Park of the Year. The award is presented annually by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to recognize outstanding volunteer programs at its 73 Ohio State Parks.

Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County took top honors as Volunteer Park of the Year for 1998. Sycamore had previously received honorable mention honors as Volunteer Park of the Year award in 1995 and 1996.

Last year, Sycamore's 685-member volunteer staff contributed a total of 3,786 hours of service to the park. The volunteers were recognized for several projects completed in 1998, including the installation of wooden steps and footbridges along the park's hiking trail and the planting of 4,500 trees. In addition, the volunteers assisted with special events, provided landscaping and trail maintenance, and participated in habitat improvement projects.