COLUMBUS, OH -- Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County has been named the "Volunteer Park of the Year" by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The park received the award in recognition of its outstanding community outreach programs, special events and fundraising which resulted in the development of a new nature center.
"Beaver Creek's new nature center, staffed by volunteers, has become a bridge between the park and its surrounding community," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "It now draws school groups and the public year round."
Lake Milton State Park in Mahoning County and Quail Hollow State Park in Stark County received honorable mention status in the volunteer park category for their effective community partnerships, despite limited staff capabilities.
"All three parks have leveraged limited resources into successful community relationships through their extensive volunteer outreach programs," West said.
Last year, more than 6,000 volunteers throughout the state park system contributed a record 300,000 hours of service. They assisted with special events, welcomed campers, groomed trails and helped with a variety of nature projects.
Ohio's 74 state parks encompass eight resort lodges, six golf courses, more than 500 cottages and 57 campgrounds with more than 9,000 campsites. For additional information, visit the ohiodnr.com web site.