Medina County Park District Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary on April 19, 2025
Established on April 19, 1965, the park district has become a beloved community resource, offering residents and visitors access to more than 22 park sites, over 50 miles of trails, and a variety of educational programs that inspire people of all ages to connect with nature. Over the decades, the park district has emerged as a leader in conservation, successfully acquiring and managing nearly 9,000 acres of protected land.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone and are deeply grateful to the residents of Medina County who have supported our mission over the years,” said Medina County Park District Director Nathan Eppink. “This anniversary is not just a celebration of the past 60 years but a commitment to preserving our natural spaces for generations to come.”
April 19 program details are found here: https://reservations.medinacountyparks.com/programs/
Park Perks Challenge
April 19-October 4, 2025
Click HERE to download the Park Perks Challenge pdf. Hard copies are available at the nature centers or park headquarters.
Celebrate Medina County Park District’s 60th Anniversary by taking part in the Park Perks Challenge! This is a self-guided adventure where you will need to successfully complete challenges to collect perk points to earn park prizes! Challenge yourself across three categories: Research It, Seek and Find, and See You There, all designed to help you explore and learn about Medina County parks. There are a few challenges that occur in the month of April -- so be sure to get started right away!
Prizes will be awarded at four different levels based on the number of park perk points achieved. The more points you collect, the more prizes you’ll get! Prize value increases with point values. The challenge officially begins on the actual anniversary date of April 19 and runs through October 4.PRIZES WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER THIS SUMMER, but they are items you can use while enjoying the parks.
Prize Pickup and 60th Anniversary Event – October 4
Completed forms may be turned in, and prizes will be awarded at a culminating anniversary event on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Lodge at Allardale. If you can’t make this awesome event, don’t worry, you can pick up your prize(s), while supplies last, at the Oenslager Nature Center on Saturday, October 18 and Saturday, October 25 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
60th Annivesary T-Shirts for $15
In celebration of the park district's 60th anniversary, Friends of Medina County Parks is selling t-shirts for $15 each! The "In My Parks Era" t-shirts are available for purchase (cash or check made out to Friends of Medina County Parks) at Oenslager Nature Center each Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. starting THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 19!
The t-shirts are also available at Medina County Park District Headquarters from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting on Monday, April 21.
Please note, these t-shirts are not available online -- in person sales only. Sales proceeds benefit Friends of Medina County Parks. For more information about the Friends, visit https://friendsofmedinacountyparks.org/.
Special 60th Anniversary Treats Offered by Local Businesses
Over the coming months, MCPD is teaming up with local businesses to celebrate its 60th anniversary with special treats. For May's highlight, visit A Cupcake A Day on Medina Square and indulge in its exclusive 'Diggin' in the Dirt' cupcake, priced at just $3. This park-themed delight is available only from May 12 to 24. Don't miss out—swing by and satisfy your sweet tooth during these two weeks!
Capital Projects Planned
To honor this milestone, the park district will open new park areas and amenities in 2025. Here’s a glimpse of some exciting capital projects planned.
Rivendell Nature Preserve - Westfield Center and Westfield Township
This 203-acre property was donated to the park district in 2022. Phase 1 of the nature preserve will open in late summer with parking, trails, restrooms, a fishing pond, and more.
Shotwell Gardens at Lake Medina - Medina Township
Over several years, the Shotwell family donated 25 acres at the corner of Foote and Weymouth Roads. Phase 1 of this new entrance to Lake Medina will open in October.
Chippewa Lake Park - Lafayette Township
Phase 1 of public access to the former amusement park property will open in October this year. It'll feature approximately one mile of aggregate trail, restrooms, and a picnic shelter. The trailhead will be built next to a house we're leasing to the Chippewa Lake Historical Society, which will establish a small museum there.
Liverpool Meadows Nature Preserve - Liverpool Township
Our first open area in Liverpool Township, this 104-acre preserve will feature a one-mile aggregate loop trail and views of the Rocky River.
Get outside and fish at your Medina County parks this spring. Participants who fish at five or more designated fishing areas between March 20 and June 19 and turn in their completed forms to the Oenslager Nature Center between June 20 and July 6, 2025 will receive an award (while supplies last). This program is open to all ages; one award per person. Download the form at www.medinacountyparks.com or visit nature
centers or park district headquarters for a hard copy.
Click HERE to download the form.
Saturday, April 26
Buffalo Creek Retreat
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fish together with your family, hook some memories, and win prizes! Grab a rod and reel in an afternoon of fishing fun during Medina County Park District’s Family Fishing Derby! Parent/child teams can register and fish any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Registration during the derby is required to be eligible to win prizes. Please bring your own fishing pole. A limited amount of fishing poles and bait will be available for use. This derby is held in conjunction with Medina County’s Earth Day Festival. All ages are welcome. Free.
Join the Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers for railroad camp this summer. Campers will have opportunities to experience track and switch construction, track installation, and learning safe operation of electric, diesel and steam locomotives. Learning during the week will be culminated on Friday with campers giving train rides to their relatives. Participants are to provide their own bag lunches and transportation to and from the Lester Rail Trail track site. Please visit the N.E.O.L.S. website at www.neols.net to obtain an application. Fee is $45 per camper. Open to youth ages 12 – 14 yrs. Registration begins April 1 for first-time campers only. Open registration begins May 1.
Spirit of America offers 12-15-year-olds a unique and exciting way to learn about boating safety! This national program gets kids on the water in a safe, hands-on learning environment. Through teamwork and practical experience, students build confidence, learn responsible boating and seamanship skills, and develop a strong understanding of water safety.
Dates:
July 14-20* and July 26, 2025
*Sunday, July 20 will be used as a rain make-up date only and may not be needed.
Age Range:
12-15 years old
Cost:
$100 per student. Includes all course materials, a life jacket, and a t-shirt. Need-based scholarships are available.
In this comprehensive boating safety course, students will:
- Earn their Ohio state boating license
- Learn drowning prevention techniques, water safety, and capsize recovery
- Receive instruction on sailboats, powerboats, canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and jet skis
- Gain confidence, build teamwork skills, and have fun!
To find out more and to register, please visit https://spirit.ezregister.com.
