Athens County Park District

A park district is one of a number of entities enabled for local area (ie, County) governance by the Ohio Revised Code. A park district may acquire and own land, establish nature preserves and recreational facilities, work with other governmental units and agencies, set regulations for use of its properties, conduct programs for the public in other venues, and levy taxes with voter consent. These capacities are in many ways parallel to those of other special districts, such as school districts, solid waste districts, and so forth.

Many counties in Ohio have park districts, including (according to a web search): Hamilton (Cincinnati), Franklin (Columbus), Stark, Miami, Greene, Ashtabula, Darke, Shelby, Franklin, Wood, Geauga, Licking, Medina, Summit, Warren, Gallia (O. O. McIntyre), Erie, Lake, Lorain, Hancock, Richland, Sandusky, Muskingum, Wood, and Delaware (Preservation) Counties, as well as the Toledo area and Dayton area (Five Rivers).

A park district may be created by vote of the county commissioners, by vote of township trustees, by vote of city council, or by a referendum to voters of any ot these. If not created by the county commissioners, then the park district only includes those townships or municipalities that have opted to create the district.

Reasons for having a County Park District:

1. A county park district can coordinate efforts and activities between other agencies, including the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (parks, forestry, wildlife, natural areas & preserves), County government, townships, City of Athens, other municipalities, Wayne National Forest, and private recreation providers.

2. A county park district can work with and help coordinate efforts of private nonprofits, including the Athens Conservancy, Hocking River Commission, The Nature Conservancy, Buckeye Forest Council, and others.

3. A county park district can acquire and manage land for recreation, preservation or related purposes.

4. A county park district can assume management of existing parks and preserves, relieving other governmental units of the responsibility if they so desire.

5. A county park district would automatically receive certain state funds that Athens County does not now get, and would be eligible for other funds.

6. A county park district would be able to levy taxes to fund its programs, with the approval of the voters.

7. A county park district can establish and develop heritage sites, and can work with agencies such as the County Historical Society in so doing.

8. A county park district can be a key player in promoting beneficial tourism.

9. A county park district can establish recreational facilities for underserved areas.

10. A county park district can work with schools for environmental education and recreational programs.