Conservation | Education | Recreation. Join us for programs, volunteering, adventures & more! www.wcparks.org. @woodparkdist on twitter & instagram
The Wood County Park District, located in Northwest Ohio just minutes from Toledo, was originally established to administer land along the Maumee River that had been donated by the Nyswander-Thurston family of Grand Rapids in 1934. In accordance with Ohio law, a Board of Park Commissioners was formed, and a small millage was set aside from the county taxes to cover expenses. A few years later, Otsego Park was purchased from the State following the bankruptcy of the former amusement park. In 1951 William Henry Harrison Park was created when the Pemberville Civic Club sold their land along the Portage River to the Park District.
Over the years, each park was developed to enhance the natural, cultural and historical aspects in the respective areas. At the time, however, the costs associated with the maintenance of those facilities outweighed the small millage set aside for Park District operations. As a result, the Park District donated the Nyswander-Thurston Park property to the State of Ohio in 1969, creating Mary Jane Thurston State Park. With the addition of maintenance responsibilities at the former Wood County Infirmary site, potential responsibilities for operation of the proposed Cedar Creeks Preserve, and the demand for new park areas, it became apparent that the Park District needed a levy to continue park operations.
The first park levy was passed in 1988. With the passage by the voters, improvements were made to existing parks and opportunities for new facilities and expanded programs for the area residents were realized.
Since that time the Park District has grown from three parks with twenty-two acres to nineteen parks spread throughout the county and encompasses more than 1,100 acres of parklands. This growth would not have been possible without the strong support of our community.
The mission of the Wood County Park District is to conserve, enhance and protect the natural and cultural resources of Wood County, while providing quality outdoor recreational and educational opportunities for Wood County Citizens.
Rental facilities available. Please visit our website for more information.
Whether it’s a company picnic, family reunion, wedding, or graduation party, the Wood County Park District has just the right facility for your group.
• Thompson Stone Hall
Otsego Park on the Maumee River (S.R. 65 at 235) near Grand Rapids
• Community Classroom
Park District Headquarters, Bowling Green
• Picnic Shelters:
Cedar Creeks Preserve, Walbridge
William Henry Harrison Park, Pemberville
• The John & Virginia Hankison Great Room
The Nature Center at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, Perrysburg
