Request for Qualifications
Heritage Trails Park District is looking for a Design Build company to build a wetland at the future site of E.J. Mackenbach Preserve.
Click this link to view the Request for Qualifications. Deadline is March 7, 2025.
~ Parks For Auglaize County ~
Funding History
Your Heritage Trails Park District (HTPD) has operated from a small fraction of the Local Government Funds allocated to the various political subdivisions of Auglaize County. Local Government funding fluctuates. With the proposed levy the HTPD is seeking the approval of local citizens to fund and grow the park district.
Levy Facts:
• Seeking ballot measure to support park development and operations in Auglaize County.
• Will be on the ballot county-wide November 7, 2023.
• Seeking 0.5 mill (five tenths of one mill) for a fixed term of five years.
• Anticipated cost of the levy to a homeowner of property valued at $100,000 would be $1.50 per month; or $18 per year, according to the Auglaize County Auditor.
The Levy Will Provide:
• Educational programming for schools, youth and adults.
• Development funds for recreational opportunities.
• Wellness and fitness programming/events.
• Funding to develop new parks, trails, public spaces, and recreational opportunities.
• Funds for matching grants to leverage state and federal grant opportunities.
• Stable funding to operate safe and well-maintained parks.
• Equipment for park maintenance.
• Administrative leadership to leverage donations, grants and public funding for the park district.
About Your Park District:
Established:
• November 4, 1996
Description:
• The Heritage Trails Park District is a separate political subdivision of the State of Ohio, organized under Ohio Revised Code, Section 1545.
• HTPD’s Board of Commissioners, comprised of three citizens who serve three-year terms without compensation, governs the park district. Board members are appointed by the Judge of the Probate Court of Auglaize County.
• HTPD’s Board of Commissioners meets monthly. Meetings are open to the public.
Board of Commissioners:
Allison Brady
Dave Stilwell
Matt Teeters
Executive Assistant:
Terry McDonald
Your Auglaize County Parks:
The Heritage Trails Park District protects more than 110 acres of land and water in Auglaize County, and offers year-round recreational and educational opportunities for youth and adults.
Dr. Elizabeth Yahl Kuffner Nature Preserve:
• Located on the east side of C.R. 66A approximately one mile north of U.S. Rt. 33 in Noble Township.
• 15.8 acre native woodlot.
• 1.4 miles of improved loop hiking trails.
• Property gifted to the Heritage Trails Park District.
E.J. Mackenbach Nature Preserve (under development)
• Located on the west side of C.R. 66A adjacent to the Dr. Elizabeth Yahl Kuffner Nature Preserve and bordered to the west by the Miami-Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
• 71.3 acres: mature woodlands; proposed wetlands and prairie habitats.
• Proposed hiking trails and outdoor education center.
• Property acquired via combination of grants and donations.
Lock 14 Park
• Located at the corner of Schillinger and Lock 14 Roads in Noble Township.
• 5.3 acres with restored concrete canal lock.
• Fishing permitted, picnic table, paved parking and access to Towpath Trail.
• Operated through a Lease Management Agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at no cost to the park district.
Deep Cut Historical Park
• Located on the west side of St. Rt. 66 in Salem Township.
• 18.5 acres with historical markers.
• Picnic facilities, paved parking and access to the Towpath Trail.
• Operated in conjunction with the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District through a Lease Management Agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at no cost to the park district.
Bloody Bridge Trail Head
• Located east of St. Rt. 66 in Noble Township.
• Paved parking with access to the Towpath Tail.
Towpath Trail
• Approximate 8 miles of improved trail along the Miami and Erie Canal in Noble and Salem Townships.
Parks For Auglaize County
“...to create and preserve park land for the purpose of conservation, leisure, and education for all to enjoy and appreciate.”
www.htparks.org • info@htparks.org • 781-816-7275 • 30 East Auglaize St. Wapakoneta, OH • www.facebook.com/HeritageTrailsPD
