February 2025

📅 Upcoming Events

Get Ready for Boating Season

If you were born on or after January 1, 1982, you’ll need proof of boater education to operate a boat in Ohio. Get certified by taking an approved boating education course—classes are happening across the state!  

🚤 Upcoming Courses:

• March 1 - Cleveland, Toledo, Cuyahoga Falls
• March 5 - Salt Fork
• March 6 - Berea
• March 8 - Sandusky, Ashley, Lowellville
• March 15 - Franklin Furnace, Celina, Bucyrus
• March 18 - Hebron 

 👉 Find a class near you and get on the water with confidence!

Explore Ohio's Nature Centers

Spring is on its way, but you don’t have to wait for warm weather to enjoy our State Parks! Visit one of our nature centers for a hands-on, close-up experience with Ohio’s wildlife and natural wonders—fun for the whole family, no matter the season.

👉 Find a nature center near you and start exploring!

🌳 What We're Up To

Accessible Playground Coming to Delaware State Park 

Big news alert! Ohio State Parks Foundation has teamed up with the Columbus Blue Jackets to create an accessible playground at Delaware State Park! This exciting project will also feature accessible restrooms and is set to open this spring.

🎉 A big thank you to Ohio State Parks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Perry’s Ice Cream and CSX for helping us make this dream a reality.

👉 Watch our feature on NBC4i here. 

Park Upgrades Coming Soon

Big improvements are on the way! Keep an eye out for updates on the Alum Creek kayak launch and new water bottle filling station ribbon cutting. Plus, this spring, Strouds Run will debut an accessible playground, improved beach access and a brand-new kayak launch—making outdoor adventures even more inclusive for all! Updates are made possible through generous donations to the Ohio State Parks foundation!

🛶  Stay tuned for project updates and opening announcements.

A new kayak launch coming to Alum Creek (near the Africa Road boat ramp) in Spring 2025! 
A special thank you to the Public Lands Foundation and Delaware Public Health District for their support of this project. 

👋 Become a Member

Get Ready for Spring

We’re planting excitement for spring! Heart of the Parks members will receive a discount coupon for a one-time purchase at Prairie Moon Nursery - perfect for all your spring planting needs!

🌼 Coupon expires May 31. Not a member yet? Join today! 

RV Giveaway

Congratulations Nancy S. from Columbus - winner of the 2-night RV rental from RV Wholesalers!

🏆   Become a member to be entered into future giveaways and contests!

Thanks to the official sponsor of the Ohio State Parks Foundation!

💚 Support Ohio State Parks Foundation

OSPF is dedicated to enhancing and preserving Ohio’s State Parks for everyone to enjoy. Generous donor support helps fund projects that improve accessibility, promote  we fund projects that improve accessibility, promote conservation and enhance outdoor experiences across the state. From playgrounds and kayak launches to trail improvements and sustainability efforts, we’re making a lasting impact on Ohio’s parks—one project at a time.

💚 Join us in protecting and enhancing our state parks for future generations.

Ohio State Parks Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to accessibility, conservation and promoting health and wellness in Ohio’s State Parks.

EIN: 86-2157935