US EditionOhio’s state parks named best in the nation for recreation programs, services
Ohio State Parks excel in innovation and stewardship, offering over 9,300 campsites and 7,100 educational programs annually, earning national recognition for recreational excellence.
- On Wednesday, Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz announced Ohio State Parks & Watercraft won the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
- A panel of park and recreation professionals judged Ohio's system on long-range planning, community engagement, environmental stewardship and innovation, while ODNR credited its focus on innovation, accessibility and conservation through visitor data and partnerships.
- Ohio offers free entry to all 76 state parks and provides more than 9,300 campsites, 1,200 miles of trails, 10 lodges, and over 7,100 educational programs annually, including adaptive kayak launches and inclusive playgrounds.
- The award, presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, recognized Ohio over finalists Florida and Wyoming, with Glen Cobb crediting park staff and volunteers.
- Recognition positions Ohio as a national model for recreation programs and services, with Great Council State Park welcoming over 21,000 visitors and nearly 4,000 program attendees in its first five months, credited to ODNR's strategies.
12 Articles
12 Articles
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Ohio State Parks named best in the country
(WKBN) -- Ohio State Parks have been named the best park system in the United States. The recognition came from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. Ohio was given the Gold Medal Award. It came down to three states -- Florida, Wyoming and Ohio, and Ohio was the winner. There are four state parks around Youngstown. Lake Milton is the area's newest, having bee…
Ashland Source
Ohio’s state parks collect national Gold Medal Award for Excellence
COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced Wednesday that Ohio State Parks has been named the best park system in the nation for providing excellent recreation programs and services. Ohio was awarded the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management […] The post Ohio’s state parks collect national Gold Medal Award for Excellence appeared fir…
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