Inclusive to All
Ohio State Parks are free and open to everyone. We are one of seven states with no park entry fees.
Supporting Sustainability
Water bottle filling stations, electric charging stations, native landscaping, and pollinator gardens are just some of the items we fund.
Life Long Education
Our funding focuses on educating park visitors about the great outdoors and Ohio's natural resources.
Health and Wellness
Research shows that spending time outside in nature benefits all of us both physically and mentally.
Our Projects
Every child should have access to a playground.
We are raising funds for a new accessible playground at Delaware State Park.
$25,000 to raise
Become a Sustainability Supporter
Help us support ConServe, the Ohio State Parks plan to make our parks more sustainable.
$35,000 to raise
Donate to the newest state park – Great Council.
Now funding theater and film exhibits
$25,000 to raise
Thank You
To Our Sustainability
Supporter
Enhance. Protect. Preserve.
Our Community Supporters
Our Leaders
David Henthorne
Board Trustee
David Henthorne is an award-winning creative director, marketing executive, and Certified Tourism Ambassador. As…
Lisa Daris
Executive Director
Lisa Daris is an outdoor enthusiast who previously coordinated the efforts of the Ohio…
H.C. Buck Niehoff
Founding Member
H.C. Buck Niehoff is a retired attorney (after 40 years with the law firm…
David Pepper
Board Trustee
David Pepper is a lawyer, writer, former elected official, and adjunct professor, and served…
Brian Blair
Board Trustee
Brian Blair holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio State University School of…
Governor Bob Taft (1999 – 2007)
Chair and Founding Member
Former Ohio Governor Bob Taft teaches Legislative Politics and Education Policy at the University…
Mary Mertz, ODNR Director, Ex Officio
Founding Member
Mary Mertz serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Governor Mike…
Keith Shumate
Treasurer and Founding Board Member
Keith Shumate is a partner at the Columbus law firm of Squire Patton Boggs…
Clyde Gosnell
Founding Member
Clyde Gosnell is a veteran (serving the U.S. Army from 1951-1958), a retired architect,…
Fran Buchholzer, Emeritus
Former Chair (2021-2022), Founding Member
Fran Buchholzer is a conservation activist, a former director of the Ohio Department of…
Dr. Marcia Sloan Latta
Founding Member
Dr. Marcia Sloan Latta is the Vice President of University Advancement at the University…
Featured Donors
Sadie Tumbleson was recently asked by her sister what she wanted most for a gift. Sadie replied that she wanted a donation made to Ohio State Parks Foundation in her name.
Sadie T
Donor“Besides the motorcycle riding, the high point was definitely going to Ohio State Parks,” – David Hale, of Virginia, and rider of the Windy 9 motorcycle route in Athens, Ohio
David H of Virginia
Donor“Our amazing granddaughter, Annabelle, is always appreciative when she visits a park that has paved trails where she can enjoy “hiking” in her wheelchair. Many thanks to you and your foundation for all you…
Kay and Raymond S
DonorLatest News
11 Apr
VOTE for Your Favorite Marquee & Gemstone Ohio State Park
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It’s OFFICIAL…the second annual Ohio State Parks Week will kick off on Earth Day on Saturday, April 22nd. Join…
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04 Apr
Estate Giving to Benefit the Ohio State Parks Foundation
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What will your Legacy be? Share your joy for the outdoors with planned giving to benefit the Ohio State…
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30 Mar
Meet Byron Guy, a spark for Ohio State Parks!
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Byron Guy wears many different hats regarding Ohio State Parks. His work includes the Buckeye Trail Association, E.G.G.S. Hike,…
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Contact Information
P.O. Box 403, Westerville, OH 43086
866-672-7533
email: info@ohiostateparksfoundation.org
website: https://www.ohiostateparksfoundation.org
Copyright © 2023 Ohio State Parks Foundation. All rights reserved