Rocky Fork Region Wins Ohio State Parks' Cutting Edge Award

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Ohio State Parks' Rocky Fork Region, which encompasses Rocky Fork, Paint Creek, Pike Lake and Lake White state parks in Highland, Pike and Ross counties, recently received Ohio State Parks' 2008 Cutting Edge Award for several valuable park innovations. The award is presented annually to the park or region which best exemplify the spirit of innovation and ingenuity within the system.

Jeff Boester, Jon Dobney, Tammy Knisley and Mark Lockhard - the region's management team - accepted the award on behalf of the entire staff of the Rocky Fork Region for making significant strides to enhance the facilities and services to make park visitors' stays even more enjoyable. They completed comprehensive campground restroom and shower house renovations that now serve as a model for other parks, added new modern miniature golf courses at Paint Creek and Rocky Fork, put in disc golf courses at Rocky Fork and Pike Lake, created ADA accessible playgrounds and beaches and entered into a partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation for campsite improvements. The dedicated team also increased the number of campsite rentals, replaced a vacant naturalist position with a recreation leader and developed a youth survey to solicit feedback on what makes them visit state parks.

"These and many other great ideas help make Ohio State Parks places where Ohioans feel welcome and enjoy visiting," said Chief Dan West. "We are very proud to have a staff that is so dedicated to the services and amenities they provide at our facilities."

Ohio's state park system includes nine resort lodges, more than 500 cottages and 56 family campgrounds with more than 9,000 campsites.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.