By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
The Wood County Park District is charting a new course for the future. A new strategic plan recently was unveiled that calls for expanded conservation efforts, enhanced community programming, and a revised funding model to ensure long-term sustainability.
During a series of presentations to public audiences and area officials, park district leaders and Tom James of Environmental Design Group outlined the proposal to replace the agency’s outdated 2013 strategic plan.
“We’ve moved beyond the 2013 plan, so it’s time to create a new one,” said Wood County Park District Executive Director Christopher Smalley.
The district hired Environmental Design Group to facilitate the planning process, which involved comprehensive audits, park visits, and benchmarking against eight peer park districts.
“I’m looking to create a vision for the future for the park district internally and externally. We have a lot of great staff. We want to make sure we’re all headed in the same direction. We want to make sure we’re meeting the needs of not only staff, but our community, as well as the different stakeholder organizations that the park district collaborates with annually,” he explained.
The proposed plan includes a forward-looking vision that reflects current financial realities and evolving community needs.
“We also have a levy eventually coming up. So, we want to make sure the park district is fiscally looking ahead and has a secure plan to make sure we’re funded adequately,” he said.
Among the findings of a 2025 survey, presented by Jessie Walton-Summers, community and communications specialist:
- Wood County residents show a strong commitment to conservation and volunteerism. In 2025 alone, volunteers contributed more than 118,000 minutes of service—equivalent to nearly three continuous months of work.
- The county park district accounts for 0.35% of land use in Wood County, which is less than the 1-2% of comparable park districts in Ohio.
- Nearly 77% of the county’s land use is agricultural.
- Archery, cornhole, CrossFit, volleyball and drone flying are the top outdoor and recreational activities of local residents.
- Social media, which has the highest engagement level compared to other sources, appears to be the primary news source, especially for younger demographics.
Each finding helps inform the new strategic plan. The high percentage of agricultural land use provides “a clear opportunity for increased preservation efforts” by the county, Walton-Summers said.
The park district will continue to offer initiatives that enhance Wood County citizens’ ability to volunteer with conservation efforts in the greenhouse and parks.
“Seeing what activities citizens are interested in, allows us to reflect that back into our strategic plan for future programming,” she said.
Future funding goals
Because the existing park levy ends in 2027, the Wood County Park District developed a strategic plan to continue to operate and improve into the next levy period, which is from 2029-2038,” James explained.
The current one-mill levy, first approved in 2008, is no longer sufficient due to inflation and rising operational costs, he said.
Projections show the district’s cash reserves steadily declining under the current structure, raising concerns about its ability to maintain services beyond the next decade.
To address this, three levy options were analyzed. The recommended approach—a renewal of the existing one-mill levy plus an additional quarter-mill—was presented as the most balanced solution. It would provide necessary funding for operations and capital improvements while remaining more cost-effective for taxpayers than a completely new levy.
“This option keeps the system running, supports our staff, and allows for modest improvements,” James said. “It’s the most fiscally responsible path forward.”
Beyond finances, the strategic goals for the next decade include:
- Stewardship: Maintaining and improving existing parks, facilities, and natural areas.
- Community Engagement: Expanding outreach and diversifying programming, including arts, cultural, and wellness activities.
- Staff and Volunteer Support: Investing in training, communication, and recognition.
- Capital Improvements: Advancing projects like the proposed Pratt Morgan Park and trail expansions.
- Land Preservation: Identifying and protecting critical natural areas for future generations.
Community impact
The presentation underscored the emotional and personal value of the park system. A video testimonial from a volunteer illustrated how access to nature can support mental and emotional well-being, reinforcing the district’s role beyond recreation.
Smalley emphasized that public input would continue to shape the final version of the plan, with additional meetings planned before formal adoption.
