About

Medina County Park District was formed on April 19, 1965 under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1545. The district's boundaries include all of Medina County except Hinckley Township.

Since its formation, the park district has acquired and developed land in areas throughout the county as shown in this website. Emphasis has been placed on acquiring land for open space preservation and preservation of unique natural resources. Medina County Park District currently manages over 9,000 acres in Medina County.

The park district is governed by a three-person board of commissioners that is appointed by the Probate Judge of Medina County. The board of park commissioners is comprised of Kathleen Davis, Dennis Neate, and Jason Venner. These persons serve without compensation and are responsible for the operation of the park district. The board appoints the staff that oversees the day-to-day operations.

Residents of the county support the park district through a one mill property tax. These monies are used to purchase land for the preservation of wildlife and natural resources, to fund the development of park facilities, and to carry on the day-to-day operations of the district. An annual report is published by the park district outlining its operations, and all funds are audited biannually through the Office of the Auditor of the State of Ohio. The park district offers services and facilities without discrimination.

In April 19, 1965, over sixty people gathered before Medina County Probate Court Judge W. W. Garver to support the creation of Medina County Park District. Fourteen political subdivisions and twenty-five service clubs of Medina County presented resolutions to the court in support of the formation of the park district. When the judge polled those present, over forty indicated their support for the creation of the park district, and no one spoke against it. Louis Bohley, Virgil Burris, Alice Dallas, and County Commissioner Chairman Dunn expressed their support to the probate court for the creation of the park district. In his journal entry, Judge Garver found ". . . the evidence presented at the meeting was conclusively in favor of the creation of the park district." Judge Garver then ordered the creation of Medina County Park District in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code Section 1545 including all of Medina County with the exception of Hinckley Township. (Hinckley Township had previously become a part of the Cleveland Metropark District.)

While the park district struggled in its early years to find a funding source, the face of Medina County began to change rapidly. Once a predominantly rural county, the influx of new residents thrust the county into becoming the fastest-growing county in Northern Ohio, a distinction that remains in place today. With the explosive growth came a change in the landscape from largely rural to more suburban. Residents of the county approved a 1/2 mill levy in 1989 to fund the park district and its operations. That levy was replaced with a new 1/2 mill levy in 1998. With vital funding established, the park district began a systematic approach to the preservation of important natural resources in Medina County. From its humble beginnings when it accepted the donation of its first 33 acres, the park district has grown to over 9,000 acres.

The generosity of Medina County residents did not start with the passage of the first levy. Through the years, over 675 acres of land have been donated to the park district by residents of the county. This generosity resulted in the park district being able to obtain grants to purchase other lands as well. It is amazing to think about the value of these donations to the residents of Medina County.

We continue to work toward the goal of preserving as much open space in Medina County as possible. How much is enough? Good question! As long as funding is available, the park district will continue to acquire special places in Medina County. Much work remains to be accomplished. The preservation of open space is vital to bring a balance to the ongoing development around us. We appreciate the support of Medina County residents as we enhance the quality of your life -- naturally.

On April 19, 1965, over 60 people, 14 political subdivisions, and 25 service clubs of Medina County gathered before Medina County Probate Court Judge W. W. Garver to support the creation of Medina County Park District.