Our mission is to:  acquire, conserve and manage Knox County’s natural resources to preserve the rural character and the natural features of the county; protect unique historical resources, maintain green space; provide public access to parks and natural areas; offer meaningful educational experiences.

Vision Statement

Knox County is a highly desirable place for people to live and work. It provides opportunities for commercial and residential development while protecting prime areas of natural and cultural significance. The Knox County Park District seeks to be a leader in efforts to protect and manage Knox County’s natural resources.

Leadership

Commissioners

Setting policy and directing the course of the Park District is a three-citizen Board of Park Commissioners appointed to three-year terms by the Judge of the Probate Court of Knox County.

2024 Board Members:

• John Frye (Board Chairperson)
• Bruce Hawkins
• Gloria Parsisson

All meetings of the board are open to the public and occur the second Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m.  in the Knox County Service Center Meeting Room 253, 117 East High Street, Mount Vernon.

Employees

• David Heithaus, Director
• Darcie Litton, Administrative Assistant
• Brandon Schroepfer, Natural Resource Manager/Naturalist
• Dan Dennis, Head Operations Manager
• Art Crim, Operations Manager
• Cliff Carpenter, Operations Manager

Volunteers

Volunteers assist and support the Park District by providing:  education programs, invasive plant controls, trail management, mowing, fund raising, bluebird and butterfly trail monitoring and park project construction support.  Please send an email to brandonschroepfer@co.knox.oh.us if interested in volunteering.