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Change is coming! To provide the best customer service possible, we will be upgrading our reservation/registration system in 2024. This new system will allow you to:

• Create your own account that will let you review and manage your activities and rentals.
• Re-print your own receipts and permits.
• Set up auto-pay plans.
• …and so much more!

We will be shutting down our current system at the end of December so that we can transfer all current rentals and 2024 program registrations to the new system.

Of course we have some learning to do, so please be patient. As a result, our 2024 programming will be released a little later than usual. We are excited to provide you with a better online experience and we appreciate your patience as we work through all this.

The campground at Caesar Ford Park is tentatively scheduled to open in spring of 2024 following the completion of Phase 1. Bookings have not been opened yet, but will be announced on this page and social media.

• Phase 1 includes 12 full hookup camping sites, picnic shelter, and shower house
• Phase 2 will include several primitive camping sites

 
Caesar Ford Park Camping Page

The use of confetti/glitter is prohibited.

Permit holders are responsible for clean-up including, but not limited to: disposal of trash into trash receptacles, removal of decorations caused by rental activities.

Excessive trash left in a shelter after a reservation is prohibited. We suggest you bring a broom and extra trash bags. Please be sure to place ALL trash in trash receptacles, tie up trash bags if overflowing to keep trash from blowing around the park, and leave shelter clean upon your departure or a fine will be imposed.

The use of tape, nails, screws, or staples are not permitted on light poles, walls or the pavilion structure.

Any and all arts and crafts done will REQUIRE table coverings. Permit holder will be required to pay for all damages, losses, and costs associated with excessive clean up and repairs.

Permit applicants should be aware that the shelter is located within a public park. Shelter rental does not guarantee the restricted use of green space, parking lot, portable toilet, or any other amenity at the park.

No vehicles are permitted on the grass or sidewalks.

Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all parks.

Inflatables will be permitted on a case-by-case basis. Please call the main office for approval.

No refunds for cancellations within 30 days of event; a processing fee of ten $10.00 dollars will be retained if cancelled before 30 days. Weather is not considered a valid reason for cancellations.

Download Shelter Rules (PDF)

More information on Facility Rentals

Reprinted with permission from The Daily Gazette (Xenia, OH), November 13, 2020

WESTERVILLE — Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) recently named Greene County Parks & Trails (GCP&T) the winner of two first place awards.

As part of the association’s 2020 Annual Awards of Excellence, GCP&T won first place in the Law Enforcement Programs & Events category for its Trail Sentinel Program with the Ranger Division.

The Trail Sentinel Program was established more than 15 years ago to serve the community on the county’s bike path trails.

Eighteen volunteers receive ongoing training from rangers, including in the areas of CPR, bike safety and maintenance, and crime prevention. The group focuses on the patrons and the trail users’ experience. They are the direct line of public contact as they patrol the trails, streamlining communications from the community to the correct correspondent, according to an OPRA release.

Trail sentinels act as ambassadors for GCP&T, as well as host several rides throughout the year.

The local parks division also won a first place award in the Capital Improvement Project (up to $1 million) category for the restoration of Pearl’s Fen located off Byron Road in Fairborn.

Pearl’s Fen was originally recognized in the 1980s for its uniqueness as a mound fen. At the time, it was only known to local botanists. The fen was purchased by the Nature Conservancy in early 2000. With the help of a Clean Ohio Grant, GCP&T gained ownership of the fen.

Work on the project started with the partnership with the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association, and co-director Dave Nolin. Not only did this protect the head waters of the Beaver Creek, it also gained region-wide focus with the Source Water Protection Program. The location is now available to the public with an access connector to the Oakes Quarry Park. There is also a unique “floating” boardwalk that goes right over the head waters.

“You and your family can visit this park all year long and always have something to discover!” parks officials said.

Full bloom of native plants is peak in late August to mid-September, attracting photographers and nature enthusiasts to the fen. Educators also make use of the fen, which is full of natural flora and wildlife.

The OPRA Annual Awards of Excellence will be presented at a banquet hosted by the association on April 28, 2021 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky. One first place award winner will be presented with the 2020 Governor’s Award for Parks and Recreation, a “best-in-show” award which includes a $500 contribution to the parks and recreation foundation of the agency winner.

“Parks and recreation professionals throughout Ohio work every day to improve the quality of life of the people they serve,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward. “This effort is a shining example of that kind of work, and we are pleased to be able to present this award.”

The awards are judged by a panel of parks and recreation professionals from around Ohio.

© 2020 AIM Media Midwest Operating, LLC.

Greene County, Ohio – Saturday, February 6th

Charles E. Dressler (Ed) passed away at the age of 82 on January 9th, 2021. The funeral has been scheduled for February 6th, 2021 at Jackson Lytle Lewis Funeral Home, 322 West Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs, OH from 11am – 1pm. With COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations in mind, the service will be private due to limited seating.

Following the celebration of life, the procession line, led by the Greene County Parks & Trails Ranger division, will be utilizing the Little Miami Scenic Trail portion of the bike way in between Yellow Springs and Xenia, ending at his final resting place at Woodland Cemetery in Xenia, Ohio. The bike trail will not be closed during this time, but we are asking any patrons to be mindful during this time and to please stop to the side. “Using the bike path just makes sense in honor of the father of the bike paths,” said Jon Dobney, GCPT Director.

All are welcome to be part of the procession to Woodland Cemetery-Xenia, traveling on the bike trails Ed created. The procession will be getting on the trails at Grinnell Road and will be getting off at Old Springfield Pike, led by the Greene County Park Rangers. The service will be livestreamed on the Jackson Lytle and Lewis Life Celebration Center Facebook page, starting promptly at 1:00 pm. Guests who still want to be part of the procession may watch the service from your vehicles. (There is public wifi available in Yellow Springs that you may connect to in order to stream the service without data). We will be preparing to begin the procession around 2:20 pm. A walk-through visitation will be open to all beginning at 11:00 am, but please understand we will be limiting the amount of guests in the building at one time. Please follow proper social distancing guidelines and facial coverings are mandatory. Thank you for your cooperation.

A proposal to dedicate a portion of the Greene County bike path in Ed’s memory is in consideration.