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Ashland County Park District Director Eric Schneider Resigns; Dan Mager Named Successor

Written by Rebecca Grant on . Posted in Uncategorized.

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.

The Davy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Written by Rebecca Grant on . Posted in Uncategorized.

  

 

ASHLAND, OHIO — May 9, 2025 – The Ashland County Park District proudly
announces the grand opening of the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center, a
visionary project dedicated to fostering environmental education and honoring the
legacy of the late David “Davy” McClure.
Located atop the scenic Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park at 748 County Road
1754, the center was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community
members, local officials, and McClure’s family and friends. The event marked the
culmination of nearly three years of planning, fundraising, and construction efforts.
Davy McClure, a former parks commissioner and beloved Ashland City Schools bus
driver, was passionate about the outdoors and environmental education. His vision for
an outdoor education center became a reality through the collaborative efforts of the
community, generous donors, and public funding.
“This center is a testament to Davy’s dream and the community’s commitment to
environmental stewardship.” said Eric Schneider, Director of the Ashland County Park
District. “It’s a place where learners of all ages can connect with nature and gain a
deeper understanding of our environment.”
The 80-acre facility features diverse habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and
pollinator gardens, providing a rich environment for hands-on learning. Amenities
include a three-season shelter, flushable restrooms, and accessible parking to
accommodate school buses.
Naturalist Mary Meixner highlighted the center educational programs, noting that over
250 students have already participated in outdoor lessons. “Our goal is to inspire
wonder and understanding of the natural world.” Meixner said. “By engaging students in
outdoor learning, we hope to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the environment.”

The project was made possible through a combination of community donations and
state funding, including a significant contribution from local philanthropists Bob and Jan
Archer.
For more information about the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center and upcoming
programs, please visit www.ashlandcountyparks.com or contact the Ashland County
Park District office at (419) 289-3524.

 

Leadership Ashland Trail Wayfinding Signage

Written by Rebecca Grant on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Such an honor to have worked with these up-and-coming leaders of Ashland County! This Leadership Ashland class raised the funds and installed Trail Wayfinding Signage and Confidence Markers along the trails at Freer Field! Their hard work and dedication has county-wide impact as it now sets us up to install Trail Signage in all of our Ashland County Parks!

THE DAVY GROUND BREAKING

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On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, ground was broken for a project envisioned by the late commissioner Dave McClure. The McClure Family, including his son Christopher and his father, Andy, joined hands with the ACPD, Friends of the ACPD, Donors, and volunteers to celebrate this significant milestone.

A moment in time that was a touching tribute to Commissioner McClure’s legacy and a testament to the power of community collaboration.

Avian Acres Farm Park Expansion

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Ashland County Park District Expands Avian Acres Farm Park with Over 45 Acres Perry Township, Ashland County – The Ashland County Park District is thrilled to announce the expansion of Avian Acres Farm Park by over 45 acres, made possible through the support of the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation program and a generous local contribution. Situated in Perry Township along the scenic Jerome Fork of the Mohican River, the newly acquired land not only increases the park’s size but also enhances its environmental significance. The addition includes over 100 linear feet of headwater stream protection and showcases Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetlands along with two Freshwater Emergent Wetlands. Moreover, this expansion bolsters habitat protection for various endangered, threatened, and species of concern, this includes Monarch Butterflies, Little Brown Bats,
Northern Harriers, Sandhill Cranes, and the recently de-listed Trumpeter Swans.

Future plans for the site are ambitious, aiming to improve guest access and parking facilities at Avian Acres Farm Park. Additionally, enhancements to the existing trail network are planned. Initiatives are also planned to restore and enrich the natural wetlands and promote pollinator and habitat diversity.

Avian Acres Farm Park was initially donated to the Park District in 2020. The park opened to the public in 2022 and now safeguards over 349 acres of precious greenspace. The park boasts the Historic Taylor Barn, 80 acres of wetlands, natural surface trails, a fishing pond, and an ongoing Regenerative Agriculture project initiated in 2023. In recognition of its environmental stewardship and community engagement, Avian Acres Farm Park was a highlight of the Ashland County Farm Tour in 2023. The park also proudly hosted Pheasants Forever’s ‘A Day in the Uplands: Managing Private Lands for Pollinators and Wildlife’ workshop, which garnered significant success. Building on last years achievements, Pheasants

Forever is set to return with “The Sequel” at Avian Acres Farm Park this Summer on July 27th.