COLUMBUS, OH — May 2, 2025
Ohio’s state parks have been named one of the best in the nation, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft selected as a finalist for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
This prestigious recognition, awarded by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, places Ohio alongside Florida and Wyoming as the top three contenders in the State Parks category.
“Ohio’s State Parks are truly a crown jewel of our state,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “We welcome visitors to come and see all our parks have to offer in Ohio, the Heart of it All.”
Ohio’s extensive park system includes 76 state parks, offering thousands of campsites, hundreds of miles of trails, and innovative programming for residents and visitors alike—all with free entry. The parks are celebrated not only for their recreation but also for their accessibility, educational outreach, and commitment to conservation.
“This honor is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of our staff, volunteers, and partners,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “From pioneering inclusive programming to preserving Ohio’s natural and cultural heritage, we strive to create welcoming spaces that reflect the very best of our state.”
One standout achievement is the creation of Great Council State Park, Ohio’s 76th park, which honors the region’s Shawnee heritage. Designed in close collaboration with the Shawnee, Eastern Shawnee, and Absentee Shawnee Tribes, the park has already hosted over 21,000 visitors since opening less than a year ago.
ODNR’s commitment to inclusion is also reflected in innovations like adaptive kayak launches, inclusive playgrounds, and events such as the LightSound experience during the 2024 total solar eclipse—an initiative that allowed people with visual impairments to “hear” the astronomical event.
Ohio’s strategic use of visitor data, forward-thinking land management, and dedication to education have earned the admiration of a national panel of park and recreation professionals who evaluated applicants based on long-term planning, environmental stewardship, and community impact.
The 2025 Gold Medal winner will be announced this September at the NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.
