2022 Annual Report
GRANVILLE, OHIO (May 3, 2023) The 2022 Licking Park District Annual Report is now available on our website, www.lickingparkdistrict.com. The report details accomplishments in programming, volunteers, and park improvement projects.
Our programs provided something for everyone! Programs were provided that reflect environmental education and recreation trends. The Wildflower Fairy Trail returned bigger than ever, finishing its fifth year with record visitation to Infirmary Mound Park from May through September. Phase Two of the new Nature Playscape at Infirmary Mound Park was completed with funding received from an ODNR Natureworks Grant and a multi-year grant from the Marguerite Halpine Heppenstall Fund of the Licking County Foundation. Phase Three construction is scheduled to be completed later in 2023. Nature play encourages creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning.
Over 500 volunteers logged nearly 7,300 hours in 2022 – monitoring, clearing, and building trails, cleaning bike and park trails, staffing for events, and providing assistance with resource management projects. Volunteer participation increased by over 32% from 2021. The Park District is incredibly appreciative of all our volunteers, and we are especially pleased to congratulate our 2022 Volunteer of the Year, Bill Fleitz!
Maintaining our facilities at the highest level possible is the anchor of our Vision Statement. New parking lots were built to access the TJ Evans Trail and Reese Wildlife Sanctuary, and we expanded the parking lot at the Lobdell Reserve Disc Golf Course. In several parks, we installed drainage solutions and rerouted and repaired many sections of natural surface trails. We began clearing old rails and trees for the 2025 extension of the Buckeye Scenic bike trail from Rt 40 to Cristland Hill Rd in Hebron, and in collaboration with many, including the Knox County Park District, ODNR, LC Commissioners, and the Ohio Public Works-Clean Ohio Trail Fund, a new recreational trail connection was made on the Ohio to Erie Trail (OTET) in the northwest corner of the county.
In 2022, the Licking Park District staff and board expressed our gratitude to Dr. James Bradley for his many years of dedicated service to the Licking Park District. All of the Licking Park District’s achievements were made possible because of his and fellow board members’ efforts in the beginning years and throughout his 40 years of service with the Park District. Though he is no longer on the Board, Dr. Bradley remains a steadfast supporter and friend of the Licking Park District.
Visit our website to view the full report or contact our office at 740.587.2535 to request a printed copy.
The 2022 Licking Park District Annual Report is available online at: https://lickingparkdistrict.com/about-us/
General questions? Contact us at 740.587.2535 or by email at: Info@LickingParkDistrict.com
Licking Park District’s Vision Statement
It is the Vision of the Licking Park District to provide parks, paths, and trails of the highest quality to the residents of Licking County. Our goal is to maintain and improve existing facilities while pursuing opportunities for expansion. We provide passive recreational opportunities for the health, wellness, and education of our residents using resources that include public and private collaborations.
Licking Park District’s Mission
The mission of the Licking Park District (LPD) is to acquire, manage, preserve, and conserve natural areas within Licking County, while protecting wildlife and local history in a manner that enriches our communities and provides access to diverse parks, educational opportunities, and health and wellness activities.