GPD Seeking Grant Support for the Purchase of Approximately 175.5 Acres of Property
Geauga Park District Board Regular Meeting - August 17, 2026
Meeting Details: The Geauga Park District (GPD) Board met on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 8:30 am at Big Creek Park Meyer Center, 9160 Robinson Rd, Chardon, OH 44024. This meeting was in-person only with no virtual attendance option. This Observer makes a request to GPD Executive Director John Oros (joros@geaugaparkdistrict.org) for the Board packet in advance of the meeting in order to better understand the substance of the matters on the agenda.
Public Comment Policy: The Park District Board does not have a formal policy and in practice never permits public comment.
Board Attendance: Present were Commissioners Howard Bates, Ray Guarino, Sally LaMarca, John Ralph and Frank Stein.
Staff Attendance: John Oros, Executive Director; Matt McCue, Deputy Director; and Jessica Alpers, Administrative Assistant. Also in attendance were Lucas Beamer, IT Manager; John Kolar, Chief Naturalist; Sandy Ward, Marketing Coordinator; Mike Rose, Chief Park Ranger; Christine Cycyk, Human Resource Manager and interim Finance Director; and Todd Hicks, legal council representative from the law firm of Thrasher, Dinsmore and Dolan.
Public Attendance: Members of Protect Geauga Parks and this LWVG Observer.
Pledge of Allegiance: Recited.
Approval of Agenda/Addendum Items: There were no items added to the Agenda. The Agenda was approved.
Minutes: Minutes from the July 20, 2026 meeting were approved without question or comment and are posted online here.
Financial Report: Mr.Oros presented the financial reports which include the Fund Status, Bank Reconciliations, Bank Balances, Outstanding Payments, Cash Flow Summary by Fund, Appropriation Status for the Year, Payment Listing and the Revenue Receipt Register.
-
Beginning balance as of 7/1/2026 in the General Fund: $4,622,635
-
Ending balance as of 7/31/2026 in the General Fund: $2,527,545
-
Beginning Balance as of 7/1/2026 in the Land Improvement Fund: $2,887,794
-
Ending balance as of 7/31/2026 in the Land Improvement Fund: $3,969,134
-
All Funds Beginning Balance on 7/1/2026: $7,510,429
-
All Funds ending balance on 7/31/2026: $6,496,680
Observer Note: There was no approval or motion regarding the payment report as the payments have already occurred.
Old Business - Mr. McCue reported that all previously approved projects are completed or under construction.
-
Big Creek Park Restroom Improvements - Under Construction
-
Mountain Run Station Asphalt Improvements - Completed
-
The Rookery Facilities Improvements - Under Construction
-
Veterans Legacy Woods Stream and Wetland Restoration - Under Construction
-
Hambden Hills Dam Improvements - Under Construction
-
Frohring Meadows Trail Improvements - Completed
-
The West Woods Trail Improvements - Completed
New Business -
-
Mr. Oros received approval for a resolution to authorize the Executive Director of Geauga Park District to file an application with the Ohio Public Works Commission for Clean Ohio Conservation Program funds seeking grant support for the purchase of approximately 175.5 acres of property for the West Woods Expansion Project in Newbury Township. This expansion project will protect 175.5 acres of high-quality biodiverse natural area, including mature forest, 12 acres of Category 3 wetlands and approximately 7,500 linear feet of a coldwater tributary to Silver Creek within the Chagrin River watershed. The protection will benefit the water quality and safeguard vital nesting, breeding and feeding areas for native and migratory bird species.
-
Mr. Oros offered a Proclamation that the Geauga Park District Board of Commissioners proudly commemorate the unveiling of the Ohio Historical Marker honoring the Centennial Oak, located near the South Newbury Union Chapel, and recognize the tree as an enduring symbol of perseverance, equality, civic engagement and the enduring legacy of those who advanced the cause of women's suffrage. The Centennial Oak was planted on July 4, 1876 by members of the Newbury Woman Political Suffrage Club to commemorate the nation's centennial and symbolize the growing movement for women's voting rights.
Commissioners’ Time - Various staff members presented accomplishments that took place during the month of July:
-
GPD was represented by park rangers on August 14th during the Chardon Annual National Night Out event on Chardon Square. This nationwide event promotes community policing partnerships. Representatives from the Police Department, Fire Department and Ohio Department of Natural Resources were also present.
-
All GPD rangers assisted with the One Geauga Community Trail Day on August 8th. This is a new event and takes place on the Maple Highlands Trail from Chardon to Swine Creek. This event was hosted by the GPD and the Sheriff's Office. Participants could hike, bike or shuttle between five stations set up along the trail.
-
The most recent concert at the Big Creek Amphitheatre was standing room only with an attendance of 210 people.
-
Volunteer Coordinator Andy Avram was featured on the Channel 3 program “Live at Lakeside.” He was accompanied by one of the animal ambassadors, Cleo Patra, a rat snake.
-
Mr. Kolar researched the park programs that were offered in 2025 and discovered that the following five parks offered the most programs:
-
West Woods - 170 programs
-
Observatory Park - 146 programs
-
Big Creek Park - 76 programs
-
The Rookery - 69 programs
-
Swine Creek - 52 programs
-
Observatory Park had a successful showing for NASA Night Sky Viewing Program on July 25th. Approximately 350 people attended the event.
-
In the month of July, 474 patrons borrowed boats at Headwaters Park, 134 people climbed the rope course at Claridon Woodlands, and there were 90 programs offered with 1,959 people attending at various parks.
Observer Note: More information on Park District events is available here.
Executive Session - There was no executive session.
Public Comment - Per Geauga Park District practice, no public comment was permitted.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:47
Reviewer Comment: Without public discussion by the Board of Agenda items or the opportunity for members of the public to comment and ask questions, the ability of the public to fully understand the business of the Geauga Park District and its use of Geauga County taxpayer funding is hindered.
Next meeting – Monday, September 21 2026 at 8:30 AM.
See the GPD Website for Additional Information and Minutes.
Observer: Mary Heintzelman
Editor: Gail Roussey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: August 29, 2026
The League of Women Voters of Geauga is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.