It has been our pleasure to welcome record numbers of campers, along with tens of millions of day-use visitors, to our state parks this past year.   We are delighted that Ohio families are choosing Ohio State Parks for affordable getaways and relaxing outings close to home.  We are also excited that several of our state parks have received very positive press from national media this year, for everything from camping and resorts, to beaches, hiking, photography and stargazing.

It seems that in these tough economic times, there is a renewed appreciation for the simple things in life that our state parks offer in abundance.  We are fortunate to have such wealth and diversity of natural resources, scenic landscapes and recreational opportunities, and we strive to offer great value for our guests who come to enjoy them.

Unfortunately, our diminishing financial resources are spread thin across our large and complex park system.  Our top priority has always been our customers, and our park managers and staff continue to pride themselves on providing excellent, friendly service – no matter what.  As a result, our park guests may not have seen much of the impact of the numerous budget cuts our state park system has taken over the years.  We have made every effort to increase efficiency and reduce costs behind the scenes, and we hope to keep the impact on our customers at a minimum.  However, we may need to adjust our hours and seasons of operation in the future, as we focus our resources on the periods when we are the busiest, and serve the most customers.

People need their parks now, more than ever, and we are there for you when you need us.  Take some time this fall to enjoy a brisk walk in the woods, a romantic sunset over a lake, or a friendly campfire on a crisp night.  Teach your kids or grandkids to appreciate the simple things in life too, and create happy memories that will sustain your family through tough times, good times, and all time.

Dan West
Chief, Ohio State Parks