Licking Park District Board of Park Commissioners Selects Kiracofe as 2021 Chairman

GRANVILLE, OHIO (February 5, 2021) Jim Kiracofe was again selected by fellow Park Commissioners as the 2021 Chairman. He served as Chairman in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Mr. Kiracofe has been a member of the Board since 2015. He is a former District Program Administrator of the Licking Soil & Water Conservation District and still actively farms in the Utica area. Mr. Kiracofe’s leadership has guided the Board and Park District through the continuing COVID pandemic and he works closely with the Director in accomplishing the mission of the Licking Park District.

Sam White was selected as the vice chair by fellow Board members. Mr White has served on the Board since 2018. Mr White has volunteered with the Park District for the last 7 years, was Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 2 in Newark Ohio for 10 years, and is a canoe instructor, certified through the American Canoe Association.
Mr. White works as a Warehouse Manager at Hendrickson Auxiliary Axle Systems in Hebron, Ohio, where he has worked for the past 25 years.

Other Board members include James Bradley, Richard Moseley and Brenda Sams, Mr. Bradley has served on the Board for 31 years. He served as the Park District’s superintendent from 1982 until the formation of the Park District in 1990 and was instrumental in the formation process. Mr. Bradley is a past member of the Board of Goodwill Industries, the Licking County Planning Commission, and is a former president and Life Trustee of the Licking County Historical Society.

Mr. Moseley has served on the Board since 2015. Now retired from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Mr. Moseley served as the first Chief of the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) and was head of the program for 20 years. In Licking County, Mr. Moseley worked with the Hickey sisters to acquire Black Hand Gorge and later helped to acquire Morris Woods from the Jim Abbott family. Both properties are now State Nature Preserves.

Ms. Sams has been a member of the Board since 2019. She has volunteered with the Park District since 2017. Before retiring in 2011 from ODNR – Division of Watercraft after 29 years of service, Ms. Sams developed and managed multiple field offices for ODNR Watercraft. Her last assignment was as the Regional Manager Central Region, headquartered at Alum Creek State Park.

The Board would like to recognize and thank Robert Hoover upon his retirement following 25 years as Probate Judge in Licking County. One of the Probate Judge’s duties is to oversee the Park District under Section 1545 of the ORC. Judge Hoover has appointed every Board member since heading the Probate Division. His passion for natural resource protection and ensuring access to nature and outdoor education has made his input critical to the success of the Licking Park District.

The LPD is applying to ODOT for TAP (Transportation Alternative Program) grant funds to construct this 1.2 mile extension. The 5.5 mile Buckeye Scenic Trail begins at Hopewell Dr in Heath and includes spurs that connect to the Heath Water Park, HNLCPA and various area schools, recreational facilities and neighborhoods.

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.

The Licking Park District manages over 1,600 acres of parkland on 12 sites and manages over 46 miles of paved multi-use trails across Licking County. The Licking Park District office, located at Infirmary Mound Park, is easily accessed from Rt. 37. Visit the website www.lickingparkdistrict.com to see all the programs and opportunities your Licking Park District offers or contact us at 740.587.2535 or by email at: Info@LickingParkDistrict.com