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White Star Park Beach Party - July, 2010

Kids Fishing Festival in Clyde

The cloudy sky and cool morning temperatures didn’t discourage kids from coming out to the Kids Fishing Festival on June 17 at the Clyde Reservoir on S. Main. Plenty of bluegill and crayfish were caught, along with a walleye, and one nice size perch. Sponsored by the Sandusky County Park District and Clyde Recreation Department, special thanks also go to Wendy’s, Arby’s, and OSS Solid Waste District.

Fishing with Ranger Dan

AJ smiling as his son, also named AJ, caught his first fish ever while at White Star Park, at the Fishing with Ranger Dan program on June 8.

 

Neighbors Make a Difference

Sandusky County Park District agrees that “Neighbors Make the Difference”. 

Keybank employees closed their door at noon on May 25, rolled up their sleeves, and spent the afternoon painting at Countryside Park. 

The community service day is now in it’s 20th year. Keybank employees participating include Doug Brisendine, Melanie Mischler, Pat Schaaf, Carrie Willis, Vicki Shiets, Keith Priddy, and Kim Willinger.

  

Scout Camporee at Creek Bend Farm

To celebrate 100 years of scouting, members of Eagle Bay District held their Spring Camporee at Creek Bend Farm May 14-16, 2010. The location was appropriate since many scout outings have been held on this property through the years, as shown in this 1944 photograph.

   

Doug Haubert Wetland

On April 10, 2010 the Board of Park Commissioners recognized Doug Haubert’s 35 years of service and declared that the restored wetland at White Star Park be known from this date forward as the “Doug Haubert Wetland”. Upon hearing the declaration, Doug’s humble response was, “They couldn’t have given me a better gift for my years of service with the Park District.”

In 1975, Doug Haubert was one of the first employees to join the fledgling Sandusky County Park District, which was founded in 1973. The popular beach at White Star Park wasn’t even open to the public until 1980. Doug was an integral part of the team that transformed the 236-acre site from an abandoned quarry operation into the 800 acre, award winning park we know today.

Today, thanks in large part to the service of Doug Haubert, the Park District protects 10 properties containing more than 2,300 acres. Besides providing endless environmental benefits, these local outdoor recreation areas are annually visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors as well as being home to more than 350 educational programs.

The Doug Haubert Wetland at White Star is located on C.R.66, north of C.R. 65. It is open daily, year-round. For more information contact the Park District at 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

YoYo Quilt Completed

In 2009, several YoYo Quilt programs were held. While participants learned ‘yoyo’ history and technique, they were also creating a bedspread for use in the cabin at White Star Park. Assembly was done by Naturalist Linda Rose.

Yoyo Quilt - Volunteer Effort!

Volunteers that created the 1140 ‘yo-yo’s’ throughout the year include:

Marilyn Blake
Jackie Braczel
Ruth Brandt
Lois Burris
Martha Camden
Elaine Denman
Elsie Dick
Molly Fails
Dave Gabel

Judy Gill
Lois Gonya
Lisa Hasselbach
Ruth Kennedy
Evelyn Merryfield
LaDonna Michael
Addie Miller
Carly Miller
Robin Miller
Anna Myers
Rita Myers
Kathy Nieset
Lou Nitkiewicz
Nancy Nobbs
Nora Petrie
Linda Rose
Ann Stenderia
Sharon Sutten
Sandra Weaver
Mona Youngblood

Mosser Group Park

Mosser Group Picnic Shelter at the North Coast Inland TrailThere is now a picnic shelter at the Walter Ave entrance to the North Coast Inland Trail, thanks to the Mosser Group of Fremont. Materials and labor were provided as a community service project, to celebrate their Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) heritage during National ESOP month. The area will be known as "Mosser Group Park".

The Mosser Group employees who participated in the effort include: Mike Ahten, Jorge Baez, David Blumfeldt, Ron Clark , Marcia Cleveland, Judy Connors, Brian Donnell, Bob Gibbs, Jamie Gottron, Kevin Halbeisen, Jeff Haynes, Kirk Held, Rick Jenkins, Nick Kaemming, Rick Kaemming, Tom Kahler, Royce Kohman, Abel Lozano, Joe Luzar, Chad McGough, Al Mehlow, Connie Moore, George Moore, Bob Moyer, Chuck Moyer, Matt Otermat, Troy Overmyer, Mark Prenzlin, Craig Schalk, Shawn Tooman, Mike Tornow, JJ Vann, Lisa Vann, Mike Wasserman, and Matt Wolfe. Founded in 1948, Mosser Construction serves the Midwest from offices in Fremont and Toledo with clients in the commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational, institutional and public sectors.

North Coast Inland Trail Mileage Markers
Visitors to the North Coast Inland Trail will notice that the trail now has a clearly marked mileage system thanks to a joint effort of the Park District, the City of Fremont and Boy Scout Eagle Scout candidates Tom Auxter and Mike Darr. Working together, Mr. Auxter and Mr. Darr placed green and white mileage signs every half mile and at road crossings, along with etiquette signs, road signs, and stream name signs at each bridge crossing. All signs were produced by the City of Fremont sign shop.

The mileage system was instituted when a need for a uniform system was identified by trail visitors and managers in Ottawa, Sandusky, Huron and Lorain Counties. It currently begins at mile 0.00 in the City of Elyria in Lorain County and continues west to mile 69.56 in the Village of Elmore, Ottawa County with location determined by a state-of-the-art global information system. The markers help visitors determine length of travel,Mile marker and it provides accurate reference for trail managers and safety service. Look for the signs on your next visit to the North Coast Inland Trail.

Scouts

Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area Opens

The Sandusky County Park District announces the opening of Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area on May 4. The area will be open daily, year-round, during daylight hours.

Located near Gibsonburg at S.R. 600 and C.R. 74, this significant 360-acre property has been managed as a private hunt club for more than 60-years. 

A grant from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund and donations from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Sandusky County Sportsman’s Club have made it possible for the Park District to acquire the Ringneck Ridge Hunt Club using no local tax monies.

Visitors to Ringneck Ridge should access the site from the parking lot on C.R. 74, and are welcome to walk on their own around the property. Regularly mowed and maintained trails will be established in the future. Rules are being established for fall hunting.

 

Where Do I Get On The Bike Trail?

 

New Bike Trail maps are being designed, and until they are available, here is the answer to the frequently asked question: Where do I get on the bike trail?

 

The North Coast Inland Trail may be accessed in downtown Clyde, at the gazebo.

 

In Fremont, access at East Side Biggs Kettner Park; Walsh Park; Park Ave & Hayes Ave.

From there, use surface streets: suggested Park Ave to Birchard Ave to Jefferson St, Napoleon Road, Brush St, State Street to the parking lot on Walter Ave. (Most of the city route is marked with green "Bike Route" signs).

 

From the Walter Ave parking lot (next to Motion Controls) (official address of Walter Ave lot is 1630 Walter Ave) you can take the bike trail through downtown Lindsey (Wendelle Miller Park), and downtown Elmore (Walter Ory Park).

 

Park District Information

PARK DISTRICT INFORMATION   (as of 1-26-09)

 

The Sandusky County Park District was created on December 7, 1973.

 

Park District’s ten facilities cover approximately 2200 acres and include White Star Park, Wolf Creek Park, Mull Covered Bridge, Blue Heron Reserve, Countryside Park, North Coast Inland Trail, Creek Bend Farm, Green Creek Twp Property, Shelley Wetlands, and Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area. Total park attendance is approx. 150,000 visitors per year with over 300 programs & presentations annually.

 

Parks open everyday, year-round, 8:00 a.m. - dark. Dogs must be on a leash. No snowmobiles, no alcoholic beverages. Cross country skiing permitted in all parks. Administrative Office at Countryside Park open M-F, 8:00am-4:30pm.

 

The Park District is governed by a three member volunteer Board of Park Commissioners who have been appointed by Probate Judge.

 (2009: Sharon Wilson, Jim Fails, Brad Lawrence)

 

Income: derived from 1 mill property tax levy, 10 year levy passed in 2007 which brings in $1,000,000. Additional income from user fees, grants, donations.

 

Public Programs are listed in newsletter "The Nutshell" available three times a year on website: www.sanduskycountyparks.com  or by calling the Office: 419-334-4495, toll free 1-888-200-5577.

 

Programs for Request are listed in "Nature's Classroom" and are available free of charge to classes, clubs & organizations in the Sandusky County area.

 

Reference Library - misc. reference books, activity ideas, field guides, videos, slide shows and teaching kits available for public use.

 

Grant Program - Started in 1990, up to $30,000 per year is used as grant money for parks and recreation in townships, cities, and villages in Sandusky County. Applications received in October, recommendations made by a three member panel of professionals from outside the county. Recipients are recognized by green and white Park District grant signs. Since its inception, over $421,000 has been provided for outdoor recreation improvements in neighborhood parks. Park District also provides technical assistance for park planning, playground safety, and programming.

 

Nature’s Classroom
Sandusky County Park District Presentations and Reference Materials
Free of charge (unless noted)

419-334-4495
Toll Free 1-888-200-5577        
www.sanduskycountyparks.com

Nature Programs
Programs may be adapted to fit location, audience size, and age level

Animal Adaptations - explore differences between amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals

Animal Tracks - identify specific tracks and make an edible “scat” snack

Bicycle Safety - Ranger Bike Patrol Officers demonstrate proper attire, bike maintenance, explain proper safety and bike trail etiquette

Bird Basics - explore the sights & sounds of our feathered friends

Bugology - discover the diversity of insects, learn life cycles, hunt for insects

Cookie Baking at the Cabin - history lesson & homemade cookies

Forest & Woodland Studies - identify trees, see how a forest is created

General Nature Walk - guided walks available year-round, highlighting sensations of the season, in Park District facilities or on a site near you

History of Apples - learn the importance of apples to early settlers, enjoy apple crisp in the cabin

History/Log Cabin Life - learn about the life of a pioneer, cooking, clothing & more 

Instincts for Survival - an outdoor game to discover carnivores, omnivores, herbivores & how they survive, good large group activity

Naturalist Chat - learn about a Naturalist’s job and discover area flora & fauna

Night Hike - hike after dark exploring nature’s night life

Ohio Wildlife - history of wild turkey, bald eagle, river otter, deer, coyote, beaver

Raptors - how raptors are different from other birds, their adaptations & calls

River Walk - wade in the Sandusky River, monitor stream quality, explore water habitat

Pioneers & American Indians - crafts & toys of Ohio’s early inhabitants

Wetlands - discover an interesting habitat and learn about area aquatic wildlife

Wild Turkeys - discover the life history of wild turkeys

World Travelers - migration of hummingbird, monarch butterfly, purple martin, osprey

Reference Materials
A variety of resources are available including field guides and hands-on activity guides such as Project WILD & NatureScope. Numerous slide shows, videos, nature sound CD’s, and cassettes are available on a limited loan basis.

Loaner Boxes
These teaching kits contain posters, supplies, and activities to educate about the topic or supplement a science lesson. Great resources that may be reserved in advance, loaned for 2 weeks at a time and require a $25 refundable deposit.

  • Amphibians/Reptiles
  • Birds  
  • Endangered Species      
  • Geology: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Glaciers
  • Geology: Rocks, Minerals, Fossils
  • Insects
  • Mammals
  • Trees/Plants   
  • Water/Fish

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SANDUSKY COUNTY PARK DISTRICT (8-15-08)

  • 1.0 Littering, dumping of garbage, sewage and noxious material is prohibited

  • 1.4 Possession of aerosol paint containers is prohibited

  • 2.0 Possession of firearms, weapons, and explosives of any type are permitted only within specially designated areas for specially designated purposes within the parks

  • 3.0 Soliciting, unlawful sales, and advertising of commercial enterprises is prohibited

  • 3.3 A special use permit from the Director is required for the sale of any articles by any business or commercial enterprise within the parks

  • 4.0 Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within all areas of the parks

  • 4.3 Obtaining, use of or possession of narcotics and other controlled substances are prohibited

  • 5.0 Obscene or indecent acts or behavior are not permitted within the parks

  • 6.0 Camping is permitted in designated areas only, and subject to the rules and regulations posted at that particular site

  • 7.0 Fires are permitted only in picnic grills and fire rings provided for that purpose

  • 8.0 Park hours are from 8:00 am to dark, except in campgrounds and areas where special permit has been granted

  • 9.0 Hunting*, trapping, and the molesting of wildlife is prohibited within the parks. A non- collection policy including plants, flowers, fruits, leaves, rocks, minerals, etc. is in force in all parks.
    * Hunting is permitted only in specially designated areas for those sportsmen obtaining proper permission and adhering to established rules and regulations.

  • 10.0 Pets must be kept on a leash, and not be left unattended. Attaching leashes to trees is prohibited

  • 11.0 Boating is permitted subject to the statutes of the State of Ohio. Restrictions on size and power vary with locations

  • 12.0 Non-registered motor vehicles may not be operated on any roadways within the parks

  • 13.0 Traffic regulations pertaining to right-of-way, speed limits, parking, etc., shall be as posted

  • 14.0 Sledding and skiing are permitted only in those areas which have been designated for that purpose

  • 15.0 Swimming is permitted only at designated swimming areas and subject to all rules and regulations pertaining to that specific area

  • 16.0 Possession of a permit is necessary for the use of many park facilities

  • 17.0 Scuba diving is permitted only in those areas designated for that purpose and are subject to all rules and regulations pertaining to that specific area

  • 18.0 Vandalism, defacement, destruction, removal or disturbance of park property is prohibited

  • 19.0 Disorderly conduct is prohibited

  • 19.3 Disturbing the Peace with a sound-producing device is prohibited

  • 20.0 Unauthorized access or presence without proper permit shall be considered trespassing

  • 21.0 All persons must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Sandusky County Park District and the laws of the State of Ohio, and comply with the orders of Park District Rangers

  • 22.0 Smoking is prohibited in all Park District buildings and on the beach.

For more information, call the Park District at:
(419) 334-4495 or 1-888-200-5577
Ranger Cell Phone: (419) 355-7066
e-mail: scpd@sanduskycountyparks.com


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