ASHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — The Ashland County Park District Board of Park Commissioners has accepted, with regret, the resignation of Park District Director Eric Schneider, who plans to pursue other career opportunities. Schneider will conclude his service with the Park District on May 8, 2026.
According to Robert DeSanto, chairman of the Board of Park Commissioners, the board was disappointed to see Schneider leave but expressed understanding and appreciation for his leadership.
“Eric is an accomplished professional that put the Park District on sound footing for the future,” DeSanto said. “Eric had many accomplishments with the Park District. He guided the Park District through the implementation of Candy Cane Trail, construction of the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center, the remodel of the Fireman’s Cabin, updates to the Freer Barn, and improvements to walking trails throughout the Park District. We appreciate his diligent work during his tenure and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Following Schneider’s resignation, the board began searching for a candidate to build upon the progress made during his tenure. The Park District announced it was fortunate to have local resident Dan Mager available and interested in the role. Mager has accepted the position and will become the next Ashland County Park District Director.
Mager was raised in Ashland County and attended Ashland High School. After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps and later graduated from the Ohio Peace Officer Academy in 1988. He began his parks career with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, serving at Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill Lake Parks as a park ranger and watercraft officer.
He was later promoted to Park Superintendent of Tappan Lake Park and subsequently to Park Superintendent of Charles Mill Lake Park. Mager went on to serve as Regional Park Superintendent for the Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill area. He retired from MWCD in 2013.
Following his retirement, Mager accepted a position with the Ashland County Municipal Court, where he served as an intensive probation officer under Judge John Good. In 2018, Mager returned to MWCD as Deputy Chief of Parks and Marinas for the entire district, a role he held until 2022. He has also worked for the Ashland County Fairgrounds in various capacities for the past 13 years.
Beyond his professional career, Mager has devoted himself to coaching youth athletics since 1996, including football, wrestling, track, and baseball. He has coached at Ashland City Schools, Hillsdale, and Crestview, and currently serves as head wrestling coach for Hillsdale Local Schools.
Mager is married to his wife, Kim, and they have three children—Corbin, Macy, and Reed—as well as two grandchildren, Mylah and Maeve.
When asked about his new role, Mager said it is “an absolute honor” to serve the Ashland County Park District. As a lifelong resident of Ashland County, he said he has long recognized the critical work of the Park District and the positive impact it continues to have on the community.
