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Knox County Park District

Knox On The Outside

The Knox County Park District was awarded a nearly $5,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for the construction of a 2-acre fenced area at Wolf Run Regional Park.  When completed, park users will be able to exercise their dogs off leash in the area.  The NatureWorks funding program, administered by the ODNR, provides up to 75% reimbursement for eligible projects.

The development of a “dog area” at Wolf Run Park was determined to be a desirable facility during the public review of the Master Development Plan for Wolf Run.  According to Park Commissioner Mark Bennett, “There are a number of people who bring their dogs to Wolf Run, and this project will provide them with a needed facility that is consistent with the Park District goal of preserving the natural qualities of the park while providing compatible recreational opportunities.”  Bennett adds that the current rule allowing people to take leashed dogs on the park trails will not be affected by the construction of this facility.

A statewide survey of recreation providers last year found that fenced dog parks are gaining in popularity.  A dog park constructed in Delaware County last year had 20,000 visitors in its first six months of operation, an indication of the popularity of these recreational amenities.

According to Operations Manager, Doug McLarnan, “Wolf Run trails are popular with users who wish to walk their dogs on leashes.  The Park District is also excited to be partnering with the Humane Society of Knox County to host the 4^th Annual Walk for the Animals on October 6 at 12 pm at Wolf Run.  The event will raise money for the Society to help care for homeless animals.”

The Park District is looking for volunteers to help maintain the dog park when constructed.  People who want to obtain more details on the project are encouraged to contact the Park District by calling 740-392-7275.

Wedding Bells At Wolf Run Regional Park

Vol. 1, Issue 7 September 07

Summer is winding down, and September brings a change to the air. This issue of Knox On The Outside features status updates on projects of interest.

Join local history buff David Greer on a strenuous hike to the Devil’s Backbone in Jefferson Township on October 14. Dress appropriate for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at 2pm.

DIRECTIONS: Meet at corner of SR 514 and Turkey Ridge Road. (From Danville take SR 205 (north) to SR. 514 (north) to Turkey Ridge Road (right).

Here are updates with regards to the Knox County trail system:

Kokosing Gap Trail:  Over the past month, several trees have been removed from the trail that posed a safety hazard to participants.  KCPD has began working with local Danville businesses to create a list of eateries in the Danville area that can serve users of the trail.

The American Council of the Blind of Ohio, a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality and equality of life for persons who are blind or visually impaired, is hosting a tandem rally-fundraiser on September 16th.  There will be three routes to choose (15, 30 or 65 miles), each starting and ending on the Kokosing Gap Trail.  The proceeds from this ride will help fund a family seminar for families of children who are blind. 

Ways to Participate:

· Bring your tandem and your stoker and enjoy a beautiful ride.

· Bring your tandem and meet your stoker for the day, who might be visually impaired.  Many blind folks love to ride, but they need a captain and/or a bike.

· Volunteer for transportation, registration and/or food stops, or donate prizes to promote your business.

Registration Donation--$50 or more, per rider. Contact Mary Hiland at mary.hiland@sbcglobal.net or 800-835-2226 to request registration forms. 

Mohican Valley Trail: Maintenance activities are on-going on the trail, and KCPD staff are busy staining the fencing along the trail to improve appearances.  Users will notice parking lot upgrades (gravel) at the Danville Terminus, Buckeye Road access points and Tiger Valley Road access.  The Bridge of Dreams continues to serve as a tourist destination.  Visitors from California, Florida and Texas were encountered on a weekday at the bridge recently.  Also, the Bridge of Dreams will be featured on the 2008 publication, Mohican Country, a tourist magazine with a circulation of 130,000!

Heart of Ohio Trail: Heart of Ohio Trail (HOOT) volunteers and KCPD staff have been busy clearing downed trees on the trail.  The Knox County Commissioners contracted with Dusty Ag Service to perform maintenance spraying on the trail to control herbaceous vegetation.  HOOT volunteers and the Centerburg Lions Club invite the public to participate in the 15th annual 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, September 15 on the HOOT.  Registration starts at 7:30am, with the race commencing at 8:30am.  The race is held in the northeast corner of Memorial Park (across from the water tower) in Centerburg.  The top three men and the top three women receive awards, and recognition is given to the winner of each age bracket.   Download an event flyer from the KCPD web site.

Ohio to Erie Trail: The American Cancer Society hosted its inaugural Pan Ohio Hope Ride, a Cleveland to Cincinnati bicycle tour that raised awareness and funds for its Hope Lodges in the two cities. The lead riders visited the Dan Emmett Festival and indicated that the Kokosing Gap Trail was far better maintained than the trails they had ridden near Akron/Cleveland.

The Ohio to Erie Trail Fund recently unveiled their new website design.  A quote from the Trail Fund press release reads: “The new website offers trail users the ability to search and print maps of The Ohio to Erie Trail from their computers.   Trail maps now allow users to find cross streets and to plan their use of the trails in greater detail.   The new mapping software allows trail users to Zoom In and Zoom Out.  Trail lines on the mapping software are color coded to match the trail surface.  Roads that cover the gaps in the trail are a different color.”   The Bridge of Dreams on the Mohican River is currently featured on the home page of the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund.

Kokosing River Water Trail: Kokosing water levels have rebounded since recent rains, making the river floatable again.

Juvenile Judge Jim Ronk, while announcing that 49 youths successfully completed the Summer Teen Employment Program, acknowledged the role of the Knox County Park District and other agencies that provided work sites for the youth. During the past seven weeks the teenagers provided over 2,500 hours of public service. All of the teenagers in the program are on probation to the Knox County Juvenile Court and earned the chance to participate in the program through their improved behavior while on probation.   Teens worked at the Mohican Valley Trail and Wolf Run Regional Park for the Park District, and their efforts were greatly appreciated.

Judge Ronk Acknowledges KCPD role in Helping At-Risk Youth

Visit with staff of the park district, go fishing and enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides and games. Knox County Park District staff assists the United Way of Knox County with this popular event. September 23 from 12pm-4pm.

The Friends of the Park District is a group dedicated to sustaining the KCPD long-term.  Call (740) 397-7954 or send an email to fbaldesc@columbus.rr.com to join.  The Friends of the Knox Park District also accepts cash donations, which are tax-deductible.

To remove your name from our mailing list, or if you have questions or comments, E-mail us at info@knoxcountyparks.org or call 740/392-7275

KCPD on the web: http://www.knoxcountyparks.org

Due to an increase in email/spam filters, we ask that you add these email addresses to your email address book to ensure that our newsletter reaches you appropriately:

info@knoxcountyparks.org

kimmarshall@co.knox.oh.us

KCPD Board Commissioners:  Dave Beck, Mark Bennett, Susan Ramser

KCPD Director:  Kim Marshall

35 Brave Souls Float on the Mohican River

At our most recent event, a canoe float on the Mohican River on August 19th, 35 participants braved a downpour during the first 10 minutes of the float. The group proved to be a hardy bunch, with everyone deciding to continue floating down the river. KCPD staff salutes these intrepid paddlers! KCPD also thanks Mohican Wilderness Campground for the use of their canoes and ODNR biologists for their assistance.  The event was part of the “Nature of Knox County” Series, co-sponsored by Brown Family Environmental Center, Ramser Arboretum and Owl Creek Conservancy.

Kelly Strobert and Wes Baker enjoyed their first hike together at Wolf Run Regional Park as friends.  Their friendship blossomed, and Kelly and Wes exchanged wedding vows on Saturday, August 25th at the pond at Wolf Run Regional Park.  KCPD congratulates the new couple on their nuptials, and wishes them all the best as they begin their life journey together.  Kelly’s mother, Brenda Strobert, indicated that Wolf Run will always hold a special place in the families’ collective hearts.  Do you have a special occasion approaching?  Call the Park District at 740/392-7275 to learn about holding such an event at Wolf Run or our other park sites.

Staff share canoe safety information with some of the participants.

Bark Park Coming Soon to Wolf Run Park

KCPD and the Humane Society of Knox County invite you (and your pet) to participate in the 4th Annual Walk for the Animals, held at Wolf Run Regional Park on October 6. Walk with your family, friends and dog to help improve the lives of animals by raising money for the Humane Society. Registration starts at 11:30am with the walk commencing at noon. Vendors will be set up in the parking lot. Visit the Humane Society's website for registration information.