The History of the Wood County Park District

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 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 a 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. Some have park plans that included or will include shelters, picnic areas, and playground equipment. At the time, however, the costs associated with the maintenance of these 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 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 Board of Park Commissioners must work to pass a levy in order to continue park operations.

With increased awareness of park and recreational needs within Wood County, a park levy campaign was organized, and in May of 1988, the first park levy was approved by the voters. This meant new life for the Park District. Improvements were made to the existing parks and opportunities for new facilities and expanded programs for area residents were realized. Since that time the Park District has grown from three parks and 22 acres, to 16 parks spread out through the county that encompass more than 1,100 acres of parklands.