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Mission Statement
To provide an outdoor recreational experience for Ohio State Park visitors that exceeds their expectations.
Historical Background
The Division of Parks was created as a division of ODNR in 1949 with the statutory obligation to create, supervise, operate and maintain a system of state parks and to promote their use by the public. Through land acquisition and transfer, the park system has grown from the original 30 parks to 74 state parks in 60 counties with nearly 164,000 acres of land and water resources. Facilities include eight resort lodges, four dining lodges, six golf courses, more than 9,000 campsites in 57 family campgrounds, 561 cottages, 36 visitor/nature centers, 76 swimming beaches and 17 swimming pools, 193 boat ramps and 6,486 boat docks, 446 picnic areas, and 1,094 miles of trails.
Main Purpose
Ohio State Parks host about 60 million visitors each year. The division's primary purpose is to provide front-line service to these customers. Field operations include maintenance and repair of grounds and facilities; operation of campgrounds, cottages and lodges along with food and merchandise concessions; services such as rental of boats, docks, bicycles and other recreational equipment; and waterways maintenance through dredging and nuisance plant removal programs. Commissioned law enforcement personnel provide protective services and assist customers. Most parks offer educational programming and special activities for visitors through seasonal naturalist programs and customer service initiatives.
Priorities
The division's top priority is to provide excellent customer service with diverse recreational offerings, well maintained facilities, and value-added amenities.
Advisory Board
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, with seven members, meet quarterly.
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