Park District of Ottawa County Community Input Survey |
Since the passage of the first levy to support the park district in 2020, work began immediately in support of becoming an active park district and working on behalf of the people of Ottawa County. A survey conducted prior to the passage of the levy provided a basis for the start of operations. That survey indicated strong public support to the protection of Lake Erie water quality, preservation of land for protection of drinking water sources, protection of rivers, lakes, and streams, provision of nature education programs for children, and development and maintenance of recreational trails for walking and biking.
Since the passage of the levy, the park district has moved forward by
- Hiring an Executive Director
- Hiring two part-time employees to assist with administration, maintenance, and programming
- Completed the Catawba Islander Trail and Greenway Phase One Master Plan with input from the community
- Assumed the role of facilitator for the Portage River Water Trail
- Acquired, through grants and donations, two new park sites with wetlands and conservation areas supporting the protection of Lake Erie
- Assisted with funding the North Coast Inland Trail extension through Veterans Park in Genoa constructed Spring 2024, secured $1,119,000.00 ODOT TAP grant for the Genoa phase one extension of the North Coast Inland Trail (the first trail phase of the NCIT from Veterans Park to Millbury), and funded the planning and engineering of the Martin Williston Rd. North Coast Inland Trail improvement to convert this trail segment from on-road to off-road to be constructed in 2025.
- Authorized the Marblehead Peninsula Trail Feasibility Study to be completed in 2024
- Established new programs and events throughout the county, such as a Bike Safety Camp at Hopfinger Zimmerman Memorial Park, the Pumpkin Walk at Meadowbrook Marsh and the Outdoor Hiking Challenge throughout Ottawa County.
- Awarded local grants through the Parks and Trails Improvement Grant program with more than $700,000.00 provided to local governments throughout Ottawa County for many outdoor recreation projects.
The park district is seeking community input on a list of goals for the operation of the park district through the current levy period and beyond. (The current levy expires at the end of 2029.)
Goals for the future include:
- Development of new park sites, Catawba Islander Woods and Trailhead and West Harbor Preserve
- Work toward the completion of improvements to the North Coast Inland Trail utilizing park district and grant funding.
- Continue to award grants to local parks through the Parks and Trails Improvement Grant Program.
- Look for opportunities to preserve natural resources in Ottawa County.
- Look for opportunities for preservation and improved water access in the Portage River corridor.
- Continue to work on the development of trail corridors in the Marblehead Peninsula and Catawba Island areas.
- Develop a clear expectation of trail ownership and operation of new trails established with park district funds.
- Develop maintenance standards for all park properties.
- Find a home for the park district including space for administrative and maintenance operations.
- Examine staffing levels and add staff where needed to provide quality park experiences such as a park naturalist and park maintenance staff.
- Work to expand access to educational and recreational programming throughout Ottawa County.
- Establish working relationships with other public landowners to utilize existing assets for expanded nature programs opportunities.
- Plan for the financial stability of the park district beyond the current levy period.